Presidential Office: "We Will Honor the People's Will on Shortcomings... Medical Reform Will Be Pursued Without Wavering"

"Overcoming the Four Major Reforms and Low Birthrate to Move Toward the Future"

The Presidential Office stated regarding the results of the October 16 by-elections, "We will accept the will of the people and make changes where there are shortcomings."

A Presidential Office official said in a press release that morning, "Even if there are difficulties, we will steadfastly pursue the four major reforms including medical reform and measures to overcome low birth rates, moving forward into the future."

Regarding the 'shortcomings,' the official elaborated, "It means we will make greater efforts concerning the shortcomings identified through the election mandate." Accordingly, the installation of the 'Second Secretariat' currently underway at the Presidential Office is expected to accelerate.

Until the previous day, the Presidential Office had not issued an official statement on the election results, but on the morning of the day, it reiterated its intention to accept the will of the people regarding shortcomings and emphasized its commitment to advancing the four major reforms.

In the by-election for the Mayor of Geumjeong District in Busan, which became a fierce battleground between the ruling and opposition parties, the People Power Party won, while in the three-way race among opposition parties for the re-election of the Mayor of Yeonggwang County in Jeollanam-do, the Democratic Party won.

In the by-elections for the Mayor of Ganghwa County in Incheon and the re-election of the Mayor of Gokseong County in Jeollanam-do, the People Power Party and the Democratic Party each won, maintaining their respective strongholds.

In the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education by-election held following the guilty verdict of progressive camp candidate Cho Hee-yeon, progressive-leaning candidate Jeong Geun-sik won.