Incheon mayoral race: Park Chan-dae leads Yoo Jeong-bok by 21% in early vote count

Early vote counts in the Incheon mayoral election show Park Chan-dae of the Democratic Party holding a significant lead over Yoo Jeong-bok of the People Power Party, with a 21 percentage point advantage. This early result aligns with exit poll predictions that favored Park's victory.

As of 10 p.m. on June 3, with 4.87% of votes counted, Park had secured 60.04% of the vote, while Yoo garnered 39.04%. A third candidate, Lee Ki-boong of the New Reform Party, trailed with 0.91%. The joint exit poll conducted by major broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS also indicated a strong performance for Park, projecting him with 53.7% against Yoo's 45.5%.

Supporters in Park's campaign camp erupted in cheers upon hearing the favorable exit poll results. Park acknowledged the support, stating, "Although it is still an exit poll result, this outcome is thanks to everyone here." He added, "We will not let our guard down until the very end and will carefully observe where the will of Incheon citizens ultimately lies."

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Although it is still an exit poll result, this outcome is thanks to everyone here. We will not let our guard down until the very end and will carefully observe where the will of Incheon citizens ultimately lies.

In contrast, a somber mood prevailed in Yoo's camp. Yoo visited his campaign office around 9:10 p.m. and remarked, "We had a clear goal. We hoped for Incheon to prosper, its citizens to be happy, and the Republic of Korea to do well. With that unwavering heart, we will continue to move forward."

The election campaign was notably contentious, featuring mutual accusations. Park focused on allegations of Yoo's failure to report virtual assets, while Yoo raised issues concerning Park's distant familial ties to independence activists.

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We had a clear goal. We hoped for Incheon to prosper, its citizens to be happy, and the Republic of Korea to do well. With that unwavering heart, we will continue to move forward.