Hyun Kyu Lee Leaves People Power Party, Announces Independent Run for Changwon Mayor

“Citizens’ Judgment Comes Before Party Nominations
Where Fairness and Common Sense Have Collapsed
Changwon’s Future Will Be Reevaluated Before the People”

Amid criticism from citizens that the People Power Party’s preliminary candidate cutoff process for the Changwon mayoral election was unfair, Hyun Kyu Lee, a candidate for Changwon Mayor in South Gyeongsang Province, has officially announced his independent candidacy.

On March 25, Lee held a press conference and stated, “The preliminary primary process was conducted in a way that was difficult for many citizens and party members to accept. Rather than seeking another opportunity within the party, I have determined that it is more appropriate to be evaluated from the beginning before the citizens.”

Hyun Kyu Lee Announces Independent Candidacy.

He continued, “Party nominations must be based on public opinion and the will of the citizens, with common sense, fairness, morality, and competitiveness as the standards. If those principles have been shaken, it is only right to be reevaluated by the judgment of the citizens.”

Lee highlighted his strength as his administrative experience, having started as a level 9 civil servant and accumulated over 40 years of experience, ultimately serving as Vice Mayor of Changwon.

He emphasized, “I know the field, not just theory; I have mastered practical work, not just slogans. I will responsibly address Changwon’s issues with this expertise.”

He also noted that during the last presidential and general elections, he did his utmost for the People Power Party’s victory as Vice Chairman of the South Gyeongsang Provincial Party and as Chairman of the Changwon Special Committee for Development. Although he devoted himself to the party and quietly worked for the region, he said that at the most crucial moment, he was not even given the chance to have his capabilities tested before the citizens.

He further pledged to directly demonstrate his experience, abilities, administrative philosophy, and vision to the citizens, stating that he seeks to be judged not by the party but by the people, not by factions but by common sense, and not by connections but by competitiveness.

Lee declared, “This candidacy is not just a political choice by one person, but a challenge to politics where fairness and common sense have collapsed, and a decision to return Changwon’s future to the hands of its citizens. Even though the path of an independent candidate will not be easy, I will see it through to the end.”

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