"Wando, Toward a Global Ocean City"... Former Director Shin Younggyun Announces Candidacy for County Governor

Unification of Gogum-myeon Candidates Falls Through...
Shin Pursues Independent Path
"35 Years of Public Service Experience and Pro-Lee Jae-myung Political Network Are His Strengths"

Shin Younggyun, former Director of Economic and Industrial Affairs of Wando County in South Jeolla Province, has officially announced his candidacy for the Wando County Governor election in the 9th Nationwide Local Elections in 2026.

In a phone interview with Asia Economy on September 25, Shin stated, "I will dedicate my 35 years of public service, thoroughly verified integrity and competence, as well as my extensive experience and network, to the development of Wando."

He particularly emphasized, "The next governor of Wando must be a new type of political leader who can flexibly respond to the rapidly changing global paradigm. Among the candidates, only Shin Younggyun possesses both the insight to grasp the essence of unpredictable changes and the flexible response capabilities required in these times."

Shin Youngkyun, former Director of Economic Industry Bureau of Wando County.

Born in Wando, Shin graduated from the Department of Economics at Chonnam National University and began his public service career at Wando County Office in 1986. He went on to work at the South Jeolla Provincial Government and the Prime Minister's Office, gaining 35 years of experience in both central and local administration.

After returning to Wando County in 2010, he held key positions such as Director of Economic and Industrial Affairs and Head of the Future Marine Industry Division, leading major regional initiatives. After retiring, he ran for county governor in the 2022 election and is currently serving as the Director of the Wando Social Community Center and as the head of the Wando branch of the Democratic Party of Korea's National Innovation Council.

Shin stated, "The publication ceremony will be held around the end of the year, and a formal press conference will be arranged separately." He also expressed a sense of historical mission, saying, "Just as Jang Bogo led the era of East Asia's largest maritime power based on Cheonghaejin 1,200 years ago, we too urgently need exceptional insight and capability today."

He outlined five key qualities for a leader of Wando County: insight to read the times and present a vision for the future, a proven philosophy of public service and integrity, extensive experience and network encompassing both central and local government, leadership in communication and harmony, and the ability to address livelihood issues that residents can truly feel.

Meanwhile, Shin, who is from Gogum-myeon, along with Kim Seguk, former auditor of South Jeolla Province, and Woo Hongseop, former deputy governor of Jindo, had been discussing whether to conduct a poll to unify the Gogum-myeon candidates. However, due to unresolved differences, the plan fell through.

As a result, Shin has announced his independent candidacy, intensifying the competition among candidates from Gogum-myeon. Political observers cite his extensive administrative experience and pro-Lee Jae-myung political network as his strengths, analyzing him as a balanced candidate who bridges both politics and administration.

Shin declared, "I will develop Wando County into a prosperous and happy global ocean city for all residents," adding, "Sincerity is what matters." The 9th Nationwide Local Elections are scheduled to be held in June 2026.

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