[Herald Economy = Park Jong-il, Senior Reporter] Moon Jong-cheol, the Democratic Party candidate for Gwangjin District mayor, reflected on his primary victory and outlined his general-election strategy and a vision for the district’s development.
In an interview on the 29th, Moon said, “The primary wasn’t simply about winning votes; it was a time to listen to residents where they live,” and pledged, “I will repay that trust with administration that brings tangible change to Gwangjin.”
Moon began by thanking the residents and party members who backed him: “I am deeply grateful to the people of Gwangjin and my fellow party members who believed in and supported me.” He also expressed respect and consolation for the other candidates who ran robust campaigns.
He added, “The debates and deliberations during the primary will form the foundation for Gwangjin’s future,” and urged unity: “Now is the time to come together and secure victory in the general election.”
Moon stressed the range of voices he encountered on the campaign trail. “I heard from small-business owners struggling to stay afloat, parents burdened by private education costs, tenants facing housing insecurity, young people looking for work, and neighbors in need of welfare support,” he said. “Those conversations reaffirmed my belief that the answers are found in the field.”
He pledged to boost resident satisfaction through Gwangjin-focused services that align with national and Seoul city policy priorities. “I will be a district mayor who keeps an ongoing dialogue with residents and implements policies grounded in everyday realities,” he said.
“The mayor’s office should be on the ground”
Moon presented “listening and communicating” as his governing philosophy.
“The mayor’s office should not be confined to a desk; it must be where residents live,” he said. “I will keep both online and offline communication channels open so residents’ views feed directly into policy.”
He stressed accountability: “Politics speaks in words, but administration is judged by results. I will prioritize measurable improvements—accelerating urban planning, improving budget efficiency, revitalizing the local economy, and closing welfare blind spots.”
Moon emphasized that the mayor’s role is service, not authority. “I will pursue compassionate administration that dries the tears of the most vulnerable, and transparent governance that safeguards taxpayers’ money,” he said.
“Gwangjin’s top priority is urban development… I will accelerate renovation projects”
Moon identified urban development as Gwangjin’s most urgent challenge.
“Gwangjin was shaped largely as a residential area under the 1970s land readjustment system. It has a low share of commercial zones and heavy regulation, which slowed development. Even though the district borders the Han River, its growth potential has not been fully realized,” he said.
To address this, he proposed a mayoral task force to fast-track redevelopment and reconstruction and a public–private consultative body to clear project bottlenecks. “I will consult with Seoul City to transfer approval authority for projects of 500 households or fewer to the district level to speed up progress,” he said.
He also pledged to develop Gwangjin into an eastern Seoul transportation hub by expanding long-term rental housing around Junggok Station, advocating for an SRT extension to Gangbyeon Station, and supporting modernization of the Dongseoul Bus Terminal.
“Grow Kondae and Guui commercial districts into new hubs on par with Seongsu-dong”
He outlined measures to revive the local economy.
Moon said he would ease pressure on small businesses by strengthening the local currency program and creating a commercial recovery package. “We will integrate data on rents, foot traffic, and transit patterns to deliver real increases in sales,” he said.
He highlighted plans to transform the commercial districts around Konkuk University (“Kondae”) and Guui into new commercial hubs comparable to Seongsu-dong, linking specialty streets with cultural content to attract visitors from outside the district.
“Expand tailored jobs for youth, middle-aged workers, and seniors”
Job creation is a central pledge.
“A job is the strongest form of welfare,” Moon said. “Using networks with the central government and Seoul City, we will build tailored job models for each demographic.”
“We will give young people opportunities, provide middle-aged workers with a chance to re-advance, and offer seniors meaningful, rewarding work,” he added.
“I will be judged by results, not words”
Moon expressed confidence about his competitiveness in the general election.
“My greatest strength is practical leadership that understands the field and turns plans into action,” he said. “Through data-driven policy and strong execution, I will tackle long-standing local issues with speed.”
He pledged to confront conflicts directly and to seek solutions with residents on the toughest problems. “During my term, I will make sure people say, ‘Our district mayor truly gets things done,’” he said.
He concluded, “The mayor’s role is not about authority but service. I will be an approachable, neighborly mayor who communicates with residents without formality.”
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