'Change is Needed' Councilor Choi Hong-rim Announces Candidacy for Mokpo Mayor Election

Announced Full-Scale Activities at Press Conference on the 22nd

He officially announced his candidacy for Mokpo mayor at a press conference on the 22nd. Photo by Seunghyun Jeong

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seung-hyun Jeong] Choi Hong-rim, former Mokpo City Council member in Jeollanam-do, has thrown his hat in the ring as an independent candidate for the Mokpo mayoral election in the June 1 local elections.

At a press conference held at the Mokpo City Council on the 22nd, candidate Choi explained his reason for running, saying, “It is now time to newly design and lay the foundation for a sustainable future for Mokpo’s century-long plan,” and “We must build a city that stands firm on a solid foundation like a deeply rooted tree.”

Emphasizing that “a sustainable future starts with transparent administration based on trust and principles,” candidate Choi reflected on his efforts to create trustworthy governance through three terms as a city council member over 12 years.

Choi stressed, “Experience and knowledge are necessary to address the diverse expectations and demands of civil society,” and “To lay the cornerstone for making Mokpo a central city of South Korea, a person who knows the region well, loves it passionately, and has unwavering determination is needed.”

He continued, “I am a guardian of Mokpo, born and raised here, having attended elementary, middle, high school, and university all locally,” and explained, “The title of the only female three-term council member in the region and one of the few nationwide was a choice by citizens who wanted someone closer to them, someone who constantly contemplates solving their difficulties, and someone who pursues administration based on law and principles.”

His main pledges include a fair reexamination of the currently controversial incinerator construction and the Samhakdo hotel project from the ground up, integration of the Muan Peninsula, construction of Imseong Station, and early completion of the KTX line between Muan Airport and Imseong Station.

Having decided to run as an independent to break away from party politics, candidate Choi stated, “I owe no debts to anyone, no debts to superiors or central politics. The only debt I have is to the citizens who support me,” and expressed his conviction, “Having made this decision after long deliberation, I will not give up halfway and will see it through to the end.”

Meanwhile, candidate Choi’s extensive political career includes serving as Vice Chairman of the Jeonnam Provincial Party of the Democratic Party of Korea, Deputy Spokesperson of the Democratic Party’s Central Party, and Co-Representative of the National Women Local Council Network. He has also been active as President of the Saemaeul Women’s Association in Samhak-dong and as an adjunct professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Mokpo National University of Science and Technology.

This Mokpo mayoral election will see independent preliminary candidate Choi Hong-rim join the competition against incumbent Mayor Kim Jong-sik, who announced his bid for re-election at a press conference on the 21st, Democratic Party preliminary candidate Kang Seong-hwi, Justice Party preliminary candidate Yeo In-du, and independent preliminary candidate Park Hong-ryul.