Kang Byungduk, Democratic Party Policy Advisor, Announces Candidacy for Hanam Mayor... "A Transportation Revolution with the Misa-Wiryeseon"

First Campaign Pledge: "Tentatively Named Misa-Wiryeseon" to Unite Hanam as One
Opposition to Apartment Construction on Misa Island... "K-Star World" Must Not Proceed Without Verification
"Mayor Lee Hyunjae Must Clarify the People Power Party's

Kang Byungduk, Policy Special Advisor to the Party Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has officially announced his candidacy for the mayoral election of Hanam in the 9th simultaneous local elections.

Kang Byungduk, Policy Special Advisor to the Democratic Party of Korea's Party Leader, held a press conference on the 21st at Representative Chu Mi-ae's local office to officially announce his candidacy for the mayoral election of Hanam in the 9th simultaneous local elections. Photo provided by Kang Byungduk's campaign office

On the 21st, Kang held a press conference at the local office of National Assembly member Chu Mi-ae and unveiled his first campaign pledge: the construction of the (tentatively named) Misa-Wiryeseon urban railway line. At the event, Kang emphasized, "A new railway is essential to connect the daily lives of citizens in Hanam, where I was born and raised, and to unite the old downtown and the new city into 'One Hanam.' Now is the golden time for Hanam's development."

Regarding the Misa-Wiryeseon, Kang highlighted his experience, stating, "As the former Head of New Business Development for Suseo High-Speed Railway (SRT), I have directly planned and promoted large-scale railway projects." He added, "This pledge has been prepared at a feasible level, with routes, demand, and funding plans thoroughly reviewed by experts."

Kang particularly emphasized the importance of execution in delivering on his pledges. He stated, "The transformation of Hanam is not a matter of competing ideas, but of execution. Together with President Lee Jaemyung and Gyeonggi Province Governor Chu Mi-ae, both from the Democratic Party of Korea, we will leverage the power of the government and the ruling party to ensure Hanam’s key issues are addressed."

The proposed Misa-Wiryeseon route would start from Misa (connected to Line 9), transfer at Misa Line 5, pass through Hwangsan, Choi, and Gambuk, then reach Gam-il (connected to the planned Line 3), establish new stations in North Wirye and South Wirye, and finally connect to Wiryejungang Station on the Wirye-Sinsa Line.

Kang pledged, "I will create a '30-minute living zone' by integrating Misa, Gam-il, and Wirye into a single railway network that includes the old downtown. With a diverse transfer system, citizens from the old downtown and other areas will enjoy more convenient connections to northern Seoul via Line 5, and to southern Seoul via Lines 3, 9, and the Wirye-Sinsa Line."

Meanwhile, regarding the development of Misa Island, Kang strongly criticized the current administration's core project, 'K-Star World,' and clearly expressed his opposition to the construction of apartments on Misa Island.

Kang Byungdeok, Policy Special Advisor to the Democratic Party of Korea's Party Leader, is taking a commemorative photo with attendees after holding a press conference at the regional office of Representative Choo Mi-ae on the 21st. Provided by Kang Byungdeok's campaign office

Kang stated, "Misa Island should be the treasure of Hanam and a hub for ecology and culture. I oppose the construction of apartments anywhere on Misa Island, which should be developed into a national garden." He also stressed the need for public debate and verification, saying, "I respectfully request an open discussion on the project's feasibility, funding, and procedures, even before the election."

Kang publicly called on the current mayor to clarify his stance on the 12·3 Coup Incident, stating, "Lee Hyunjae, the current mayor and an 'elder' of the People Power Party, must make his position clear on the 12·3 Coup Incident, which caused fear among citizens."

The event was attended by former Hanam mayors Lee Kyobeom and Kim Sangho, Democratic Party advisor Hong Kwangok, Hanam City Council Vice Chairman Jeong Byungyong, and council members Kang Seongsam, Jeong Hyeyoung, Choi Hunjong, and Oh Seungcheol. After the declaration of candidacy, a Q&A session with reporters followed. Kang concluded the event by pledging to announce additional pledges sequentially through future policy briefings and to strengthen policy communication-including the Misa-Wiryeseon-through online and citizen meetings, stating, "I will respond to even the smallest inconveniences experienced by citizens with concrete pledges."