"Husband Poet Jo Gi-young, Embrace Me Silently" Ko Min-jung, Who Defeated Oh Se-hoon, Election Victory Speech

In the April 15 general election, Go Min-jeong (center) of the Democratic Party, who ran for the Gwangjin-gu Eul district in Seoul, cheers with her father Go Young-soo (left), spouse Jo Ki-young (right), and other associates as her victory is confirmed on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Ko Min-jung, a Democratic Party candidate who won in the Seoul Gwangjin-eul district, considered a battleground in the April 15 general election, expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement from her husband, poet Jo Ki-young.

On the 16th, Ko appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Yesterday, (my husband) came home and gave me a big hug, saying I worked really hard. It was a very tough journey, and even when we first decided, we had disagreements and even talked about not doing it," adding, "We went through many processes. We have always overcome mountains together, whether when we got married, when I became an announcer, or when I entered the Blue House. Those moments flashed by like a series of images."

She continued, "There were truly many supporters with me, and I am amazed and thankful for that strength. When campaigning, I saw many people not only from Gwangjin but also from other regions coming to support me," and shared her thoughts on winning, saying, "I felt that such forces were coming together tightly, and I think that is why."

The 21st National Assembly election winner for Gwangjin-gu Eul, Seoul, Go Min-jeong of the Democratic Party of Korea, campaigning near Jayang Traditional Market in Gwangjin-gu on the afternoon of the 5th with her husband, poet Jo Ki-young.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding her victory over Oh Se-hoon, the Future United Party candidate and former mayor of Seoul, she said, "It's really hard to answer. Rather, I wonder why the supporters chose someone as lacking as me," adding, "So my shoulders feel heavy, and I interpret it as a call to do well. Therefore, I do not think this is a personal victory for me, Ko Min-jung."

When asked about the most difficult moment during the election process, Ko said, "It was my first time in politics, and I had no idea how to do things?how to find an office, how to organize a campaign, how many people should be involved. I felt very overwhelmed," adding, "I got through it day by day, and thinking back on it now, it really brings tears to my eyes."

She then expressed her aspirations, saying, "I believe I can do well going forward. I have overcome a big mountain, and even though I was worried whether Ko Min-jung could defeat a heavyweight politician like Oh Se-hoon, I have overcome another mountain," adding, "Each time I overcome a mountain, I feel myself becoming stronger. I want to meet the Ko Min-jung who will overcome the big mountains she will face in the National Assembly."