Song Young-gil returns to National Assembly after winning Incheon by-election

Song Young-gil of the Democratic Party has clinched victory in the Incheon Yeonsu Gap National Assembly by-election, marking a significant return to national politics. Official results released early Wednesday show Song securing 61.47% of the vote, comfortably defeating Park Jong-jin of the People Power Party.

Song, a veteran politician with a history of serving as a five-term lawmaker, former mayor of Incheon, and leader of the Democratic Party, was strategically nominated for this by-election. He had previously represented the Gyeyang constituency before relocating his candidacy to Yeonsu Gap.

In his post-victory remarks, Song framed the election as a "mid-term evaluation of President Lee Jae-myung," expressing gratitude to the residents of Yeonsu Gap for their support despite his change of district. His return to the National Assembly after facing legal challenges, including a previous arrest related to a party leadership election scandal, is a notable comeback.

Song's re-entry into parliament is anticipated to have a considerable impact on the upcoming party leadership election scheduled for August. His experience and influence are expected to shape the internal dynamics and potential candidates within the Democratic Party.

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This local election and by-election are a mid-term evaluation of President Lee Jae-myung. I thank the residents of Yeonsu Gap who readily supported me even though I came from Gyeyang.