Democrat Kim Sang-wook certain to win Ulsan mayoralty; 'Possible because we achieved unification'

Kim Sang-wook of the Democratic Party is set to become the next mayor of Ulsan, marking a significant victory for the party in a closely contested election. As of early morning, with over 88% of ballots counted, Kim held a commanding lead over his opponent, Kim Du-gyeom of the People Power Party.

The path to victory was fraught with challenges, primarily centered on unifying the progressive and liberal factions. Initial polls suggested that a combined vote for these groups would surpass the incumbent mayor's support. Kim successfully unified with candidates from the Progressive Party and the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. However, the unification process nearly unraveled when Kim Sang-wook accused "organized intervention by certain forces" during a primary against the Progressive Party candidate, leading to a temporary halt.

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This result is not mine alone. It was possible because the Democratic Party, the Progressive Party, and all comrades in the broader democratic camp joined hands and achieved unification.

Ultimately, Kim secured the nomination after the Progressive Party candidate agreed to a revote. The fragmentation of conservative votes, as the People Power Party's candidate failed to unify with a third-party conservative contender, also contributed to Kim's advantage. This victory is particularly notable as it represents the Democratic Party's second mayoral win in Ulsan, following Song Cheol-ho's victory in 2018.

Kim Sang-wook, who previously served as a National Assembly member for the People Power Party before switching to the Democratic Party, is also set to become the youngest metropolitan mayor in South Korea, born in 1980. His win underscores the effectiveness of strategic political alliances in South Korean elections.

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Even if I am beaten a hundred times, if citizens become the masters and their interests are protected, I will crawl forward half a step more.