Green Party achieves historic first election win in conservative Andong

Huh Seung-gyu, 37, has made history as the first elected official from South Korea's Green Party, securing a seat on the Andong City Council. His victory in the traditionally conservative region of Gyeongsangbuk-do is a significant milestone for the party, which has struggled to gain traction in public office since its founding in 2012.

Huh won the election in Andong City District B with 3040 votes, or 36.86% of the total. He narrowly defeated Kim Chang-hyun of the ruling People Power Party, who garnered 25.87%. This marks Huh's third attempt at winning a local council seat. He previously lost by a small margin in the 2018 local elections and again in 2022.

In his victory speech, Huh expressed gratitude to the over 3,000 citizens who voted for him, promising to repay their trust with good politics. He emphasized his commitment to fostering a political culture of coexistence and cooperation beyond party lines, pledging to engage with diverse residents, including seniors, workers, parents, and youth. He also vowed to fulfill his campaign promises and continuously improve upon them, aiming to create a sustainable, green Andong where diversity thrives.

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Thank you to the more than 3,000 citizens who voted for me, Huh Seung-gyu, number 5, for a better change and a better tomorrow for Andong. Huh Seung-gyu, raised by the citizens of Andong, will not lose his initial resolve and will repay you with good politics.

Huh's dedication to the local community is evident in his extensive involvement with various civic organizations, including the Gangnam-dong Residents' Autonomy Association and the regional social welfare council. Following a massive wildfire in the northern Gyeongbuk region last year, he actively sought out legal loopholes and advocated for residents. He also served as a resident representative on the special committee for large-scale wildfire damage support and reconstruction, established under the Prime Minister's office.

Huh, who was born and raised in Andong, returned to his hometown after college to lead the Andong Youth Empathy Network. His campaign focused on issues important to young people, such as advocating for free bus services for youth. His success demonstrates a growing appetite for alternative political voices, even in deeply entrenched conservative areas.

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We will create a political culture of coexistence and cooperation from the ground up, beyond party lines. I will actively practice communication with various residents, from the elderly and workers to parents and teenagers. While striving to fulfill the campaign promises made to the residents, I will also continue to address any shortcomings in my pledges. We will open the door to a green Andong where diversity thrives and sustainability is realized, together with the residents.