Ahn Jaemin, Preliminary Sangju Mayoral Candidate, "Responding to Sangju's Change and Sincerity"

Ahn Jaemin’s Campaign Office Opening Draws a Massive Crowd
"Ovation and Applause Hotter Than Any Festival"
Assemblywoman Im Yi-ja and National Political Figures
Praise "Sangju’s Proven Treasure, a Prepared Young Leader"
Vows to Eradicate Illegal and Unfair Elections and Foster a Fair Electoral Culture

The opening ceremony for the campaign office of Ahn Jaemin, preliminary mayoral candidate of Sangju City, was held on the 6th floor of Sangju Bus Terminal on March 21, drawing a crowd of over 800 citizens and supporters. The venue was so packed that people filled not only the inside of the hall but also the corridors and parking lot, creating an impressive scene.

Notably, the event was attended by people of all ages and backgrounds from Sangju, rather than being concentrated in a particular generation. The enthusiasm on the day was described as more than a political event—it was seen as a 'festival' driven by citizens' longing for change in Sangju.

In response to the campaign of Ahn Jaemin, the young mayoral candidate from the People Power Party who aims to save Sangju from the risk of population extinction, Sangju citizens showed overwhelming support.

The opening ceremony was attended by numerous figures from the political arena, both current and former, including Assemblywoman Im Yi-ja (representing Sangju and Mungyeong, Gyeongbuk), former party chapter chair Park Youngmoon, former National Assembly member Kim Sangmin, and People Power Party spokesperson Son Soojo. In addition, major local figures such as Yoon Moonha, president of the Sangju Senior Citizens' Association, were present, lending their support to Candidate Ahn.

An Jae-min at the Opening Ceremony for the Sangju City Mayoral Preliminary Candidate with Assemblywoman Lim Eui-ja / Photo by Kim Iwhan

The event was conducted naturally by Candidate Ahn and continued with congratulatory speeches from the guests. Former party chapter chair Park Youngmoon shared an anecdote from his tenure, stating, "Many people insisted that we needed to bring in Ahn Jaemin because he was essential for the development of Sangju."

Former National Assembly member Kim Sangmin began by saying he would reveal a "top secret." He explained, "I want to share how the 'half-tuition' policy was planned and implemented during the Park Geun-hye administration. The key person behind the conception and execution of that policy was none other than Ahn Jaemin." He went on to praise Ahn, saying, "Ahn Jaemin is someone who has already been preparing a future that will greatly benefit your livelihoods."

Spokesperson Son Soojo expressed strong trust, saying, "Ahn Jaemin is not someone who just fell from the sky one day. I hope Sangju citizens recognize his sincerity. He is a well-prepared young candidate who has already passed all the necessary vetting."

Especially, Assemblywoman Im Yi-ja emphasized, "For the past six years, I have worked alongside Candidate Ahn as an equal. In politics, I am known for only moving straight ahead, and it was Ahn Jaemin who steadfastly supported me from the side. He is truly a valuable asset to Sangju," drawing particular attention from the audience.

Kim Dongjin, president of the Sangsankim Clan Association, to which the candidate's wife's family belongs, and Yoo Sanggeun, former president of the Sangju High School alumni association (Ahn's alma mater), also gave congratulatory addresses, wishing Ahn Jaemin success in his journey.

Ahn’s father, Ahn Youngik, who previously served as Sangju’s superintendent of education, spoke of his son’s diligence and unwavering commitment to Sangju. He said, "As both the candidate’s father and a citizen, I deeply resonate with the pledges my son has put forward. I am here today to offer even a small measure of support," making an emotional appeal for support.

When Candidate Ahn and his entire family took to the stage and made a deep bow to the citizens, the atmosphere reached its peak. The heartfelt emotion of parents toward their child, combined with the candidate’s resolute promise of honest politics, moved many in the crowd to tears and inspired enthusiastic support.

In his speech, Candidate Ahn proclaimed a "politics of unity" to drive Sangju’s resurgence. He earnestly appealed, "The development of Sangju cannot be achieved by a single person. Only when the wisdom and experience of our elders, the creative ideas of our youth, the administrative capabilities of more than a thousand public officials, and the unified power of all political figures in Sangju come together, can the city be revitalized."

He did not hold back criticism of the current election culture. Ahn stated, "An election campaign that pursues victory at any cost, regardless of means or methods, only breeds conflict and cannot achieve true progress for Sangju. This time, we must root out illegal and fraudulent election practices, and after the election, we will all unite as one." He made it clear, "I am determined to break the cycle of illegality and injustice that is harming Sangju and to set the city straight on a new foundation."

At the end of his speech, when Ahn Jaemin declared, "I, Ahn Jaemin, sincerely want to work for you!" the citizens in attendance responded with a standing ovation and cheers. The atmosphere was even more passionate than a local festival, proving that the candidate’s sincerity had truly touched the hearts of the people.

Demonstrating his credentials as a young candidate, the office displayed a large map of Sangju, and he presented practical, task-oriented "customized pledges" aimed at revitalizing the economy in each region, earning further trust for his policy proposals.

The customized pledges include: ▲ Modern inheritance of traditional industries and development of cultural tourism in the Hamchang, Gonggeom, and Ian areas ▲ Creation of the Seongjubong Wellness Park and a new park golf course in the Seongjubong area ▲ Establishment of the Songnisan Stay Town in the Songnisan area ▲ Construction of a premium Baekhwaksan walking trail and camping complex in the Baekdudaegan area ▲ Designation of riverside zones along the Nakdong River, creation of K-Leisure sports tourism hubs and a new park golf course ▲ Transforming the downtown area into an economic hub for the high-speed railway era, revitalizing traditional markets, and building a hotel to complete a virtuous cycle ▲ Launching the "Sangju Love App," which offers one-stop services for payments, festivals, camping, agricultural product discounts, and encourages ongoing exchange among related populations.

A local political observer commented, "This opening ceremony demonstrated the depth of trust that Ahn Jaemin has built up. His declaration to usher in an era of grand unity in Sangju could ignite a new spark of hope for the city, which currently faces the crisis of extinction."

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