[Interview with the Elected] Jeong Cheolwon, Damyang County Governor: "Communication and Harmony with Residents"

"The Starting Point for Transforming Honam Politics into a Competitive System"
"The Public's Choice Was a Backlash... A Stern Judgment Against the Democratic Party"
"Democratic Party Candidate's Policies and Pledges to Be Reflected in County Administration"
"Preparing a Blueprint for the Future of Millennium Damyang"

Jeong Cheolwon, the elected mayor of Damyang County, is shouting "Hooray" with supporters at the election office after the vote count was completed and his victory was confirmed on the night of the 2nd. Photo by Jeong Cheolwon, elected mayor of Damyang County

On the 2nd, Jung Chulwon, the newly elected governor of Damyang County, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I bow my head in thanks to the people of Damyang. I believe this is the result of the citizens' strong desire for change," and added, "I think this is an evaluation of both the wise judgment of the people for better local governance and of Jung Chulwon himself, as well as their will to overcome outdated practices. I will continue to work harder in the future."

Regarding the reasons for his victory in this election, Jung stated, "It is the result of healthy common sense and expectations for change coming together. Having worked in my hometown for a long time and built up experience and leadership in local politics, I believe my approachable, neighborly image allowed people to support me without reservation." He continued, "In the case of the Democratic Party, controversies over unfair primaries and campaign support that felt like a presidential election actually led to a backlash from the public. I believe the people delivered a stern judgment against the Democratic Party."

Regarding his title as the 'first head of a local government' from the Jookook Innovation Party, Jung emphasized, "The Jookook Innovation Party has consistently argued, even in last year's Gokseong and Yeonggwang county elections, that 'competition brings progress.' This election is significant as it marks the first local government head from the Jookook Innovation Party and serves as a valuable starting point for opening the era of Jookook's Time 2030."

Jeong Cheolwon, the elected mayor of Damyang County, is shouting "Fighting" with supporters at the election office after the vote count was completed and his victory was confirmed on the night of the 2nd. Photo by Jeong Cheolwon, elected mayor of Damyang County

He went on to say, "This will be the starting point for transforming Honam politics, which has been monopolized by the Democratic Party for the past 30 years, into a true competitive system. With next year's local elections approaching, competition for clarity in Honam will become even more pronounced, and this will serve as a driving force for the development of Honam politics."

Jung especially noted, "Although my term is short at just one year and two months, the first task given to me is to restore the administrative vacuum and properly complete the pledges of the former governor. During the campaign, I presented five promises for a happy Damyang, the 'Odam Happiness Pledge.' Although these are all urgent tasks that are hard to prioritize, I plan to prepare implementation plans with the will and opinions of the citizens as my top priority."

He requested, "Communication and harmony have always been my political philosophy. I ask for your strength and wisdom so that the hearts of the citizens, divided during the election, can be united and become the driving force for regional development." He also promised, "I will actively incorporate the policies and pledges of the Democratic Party candidate into the county administration. I will also prepare ways to work together through various processes."

Meanwhile, Jung added, "Although I may not be able to fulfill all my pledges due to the short term, I will faithfully play my role in creating a blueprint for the future of 'Millennium Damyang' together with the people. I ask for your continued interest and support."