[Exclusive] Lee Chang-woo, Dongjak-gu Mayor, Tests Positive for COVID-19 and Hospitalized; Emergency at Dongjak-gu Office...First Seoul District Mayor Confirmed Positive

District Mayor Confirmed Positive on 14th After Resident Contact, Admitted to Residential Treatment Center; Deputy Mayor Baehyungwoo Leads Administrative System Maintained

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Lee Chang-woo, the mayor of Dongjak-gu, was confirmed positive for COVID-19 and admitted to a residential treatment center.

According to a Dongjak-gu official on the 15th, Mayor Lee felt unwell and was confirmed positive for COVID-19 following a test the previous day.

With this, Mayor Lee became the first among the 25 district mayors of Seoul to be hospitalized as a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Dongjak-gu Office is expected to be led by Vice Mayor Bae Hyung-woo in managing administration following Mayor Lee's positive diagnosis. However, senior officials including the chief secretary who had contact with the mayor are also undergoing COVID-19 testing, raising concerns about administrative gaps.

It is particularly noted that Mayor Lee was fully vaccinated but experienced a breakthrough infection.

Previously, Seo Yang-ho, mayor of Jung-gu, Seong Jang-hyun, mayor of Yongsan-gu, and Lee Dong-jin, mayor of Dobong-gu, underwent self-quarantine due to contact with residents or secretaries but all tested negative and returned to work.

However, Lee Chang-woo, mayor of Dongjak-gu, was the first to be confirmed positive due to contact with residents, putting Dongjak-gu Office on high alert.

A Dongjak-gu official stated, "Mayor Lee's COVID-19 confirmation makes us realize how close the virus is to us," urging caution.

Born in 1970, Lee Chang-woo, mayor of Dongjak-gu, is a member of the Democratic Party, served as a senior administrative officer under the Roh Moo-hyun administration, and has been recognized for his work while serving as mayor during the 6th and 7th local elections, including promoting the construction of the administrative complex building in Jangseungbaegi, Dongjak-gu.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lee posted on his Facebook on the same day, saying, "I regret to inform residents of unfortunate news," and added, "I was notified positive for COVID-19 yesterday and am currently admitted to a residential treatment center."

He also wrote, "Aside from very mild COVID-19 symptoms, I am doing well. I will do my best to return to the quarantine field as soon as possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.