Mungyeong Mayor-elect Kim Hak-hong poses for a photo with his wife. [Provided by Kim Hak-hong election camp]
Mungyeong Mayor-elect Kim Hak-hong poses for a photo with his wife. [Provided by Kim Hak-hong election camp]

Kim Hak-hong won the Mungyeong mayoral race in the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections.

In his victory statement Thursday, Kim said the win belonged to all residents of Mungyeong. "This victory was achieved through the strength of citizens who want a better Mungyeong — it is a great victory for all of them," he said. "I am sincerely grateful to every one of you."

He pledged to take to heart both the encouragement and the criticism he received during the campaign. "I will become a mayor of unity and harmony — one who embraces not only those who supported me, but also those who backed other candidates," he said.

Kim said the time had come to move beyond conflict and division. "We must now look only toward Mungyeong's development and the happiness of its citizens, and advance together," he said. "I will lower the threshold of City Hall and communicate directly with residents on the ground."

He promised to repay the public's support through results. "I will not disappoint those who have cheered me on — I will serve only the citizens and deliver," Kim said. "I hope all of you will join in the welcome change coming to a new Mungyeong."


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