Kim Sangwook of the Democratic Party Welcomes Ulsan Mayoral Unification Proposal... Proposes Policy Discussion with Progressive and Innovation Party Candidates

Responds to Kim Jonghoon’s Proposal from the Progressive Party
"Integration of the Broad Democratic Camp in Ulsan Must Come First"
Proposes Policy Discussion on the 17th... Suggests Weekly Meetings If Possible

Kim Sangwook, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Ulsan mayor in the 9th nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3, stated on April 15 that he "wholeheartedly welcomes" the proposal for a unified candidacy made by Kim Jonghun, the Progressive Party's candidate for Ulsan mayor.

Assemblyman Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center that day, stressing, "The June 3 local elections are about defending civic sovereignty against forces that have undermined constitutional order and threatened democracy," adding, "Our cause is one."

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Hyunwoo Shin = Kim Sangwook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed regional differentiation of industrial electricity rates at the National Assembly Communication Center on April 7, 2026. nowwego@yna.co.kr (End)

Kim emphasized, "Candidate Kim Jonghun's proposal is not just an electoral tactic. It is a desperate, timely appeal to recognize the citizens of Ulsan as the true owners, and I humbly bow my head in response to that call. I also sincerely invite Candidate Hwang Myungpil of the Homeland Innovation Party to join us."

He stated, "Ulsan's most urgent task is to take the lead in the great transformation of labor-centered industries through AI-driven change. Safeguarding jobs and livelihoods for workers while leading the transition to future industries is not something any single party can accomplish alone."

He added, "If the Democratic Party, the Progressive Party, and the Innovation Party work together, Ulsan can become a new model for such change."

Assemblyman Kim also emphasized, "For Ulsan to pioneer and prepare for an integrated era with Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (the 'Boo-Ul-Gyeong' region), healthy social integration among the pro-democracy front in Ulsan must come first. Ulsan cannot take the lead in metropolitan cooperation if it remains divided."

Additionally, he proposed a policy discussion among the three progressive candidates running in Ulsan on April 17. He also suggested that, if possible, they hold weekly policy debates together.

Furthermore, after the press conference, Assemblyman Kim met with reporters and called for the party leadership to quickly begin discussions on a unified candidacy.

He stated, "In fact, if discussions on a unified front, such as an electoral alliance, had taken place from the beginning as they did in the last presidential election, it would have had a much greater impact." He continued, "But for now, I believe we need to wait for the party's official position."

He went on to say, "If neither the central party nor the city party sets an appropriate time for consultation, then at the very least, the candidates themselves must make a decision."

Assemblyman Kim stressed that the unification process must not extend beyond mid-May. He also stated that he would resign from the National Assembly before April 30, the deadline for resigning his parliamentary seat. If he does not step down by the 30th, he will be unable to run in both the June local elections and the by-elections.

In response, Progressive Party candidate Kim also released a statement, saying, "I thank Candidate Kim Sangwook for actively responding to the proposal for a policy-centered unification. Let the candidates take the initiative and create a beautiful, unified front that adds strength to our cause."

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