Andong City Council sees Democratic Party become majority for first time, cracking conservative stronghold

In a significant political development, Lee Jae-gap, a veteran local councilor with a record 10 terms, has officially joined the Democratic Party. This move has made the Democratic Party the majority party in the Andong City Council for the first time in its history, breaking the long-standing conservative dominance in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region.

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I have watched the President, who hails from Andong, show special affection and interest in his hometown since taking office. He has shown a strong will to make Andong the center of Korea, such as by holding a summit meeting here. I thought that responding to this intention and contributing to Andong's development was the path I should take.

The shift is part of a broader trend, with Democratic Party members also securing seats in historically conservative areas such as Mungyeong, Seongju, and Ulleung. Lee, who had previously served as an independent for over a decade, expressed his decision was influenced by President Lee Jae-myung's commitment to Andong's development. He aims to collaborate with the ruling party to foster local progress and believes this is the path forward for him and the region.

Lee stated his intention to prioritize the lives of citizens and Andong's future over his long-held political beliefs, particularly his past criticism of party nomination systems. He emphasized the need for regional change and cooperation to realize the president's vision for Andong. "The president's sincere interest and national support for his hometown must become a reality, and the local community must also adopt an attitude of change and cooperation," Lee said.

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The president's sincere interest and national support for his hometown must become a reality, and the local community must also adopt an attitude of change and cooperation. I want to choose the citizens' lives and Andong's future over my long-held political beliefs. As a member of the Democratic Party, I will faithfully serve as a bridge, cooperating closely with the government party.

The article also highlights other instances of Democratic Party inroads into conservative strongholds. Im Hwi-cheol, a labor attorney, became the first Democratic Party councilor in Mungyeong. Lee Kang-tae, a farm equipment dealer, secured a seat in Seongju, motivated by a desire to change the region's politics after the THAAD deployment controversy. Hong Yong-pyo, head of a local bus company, became the first Democratic councilor in Ulleung. In Gunwi County, part of Daegu, Kim Hyun-ju and Lee Jong-moo also became the first Democratic Party councilors, with Lee Jong-moo emphasizing the need for individuals dedicated to Gunwi's welfare over party affiliation.

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Does the party really matter? We need someone who will work for Gunwi.