Jinju Independent Candidates Announce Alliance: "We Will Create a Clean Election Culture"

Independent Preliminary Candidates and City Council Members, Including Cho Kyuil, Join Forces
"Rejecting Closed-Door Nominations and Factional Politics... Practicing Governance for the Citizens"

'Independent Solidarity,' a coalition of independent preliminary candidates and incumbent city council members in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, held a press conference on May 12, officially announcing their alliance to reform local politics and focus on citizen-centered governance.

At the press conference held that morning in the Jinju City Hall briefing room, Independent Solidarity declared, "We are committed to restoring fairness and common sense in the crumbling local politics, and to opening a new political path that looks solely to the citizens."

This press conference was attended by preliminary candidate Cho Kyuil, as well as candidates Kim Hyungseok, Park Taeyang, Lim Gihyang, Choi Sinyong, and Hwang Jinsun.

In his keynote remarks, preliminary candidate Cho Kyuil stated, "Citizens are now questioning whom political parties truly serve, and whether candidate nominations reflect the will of the people or the interests of specific groups." He emphasized, "We firmly reject the politics of political alignment behind particular politicians, closed-door nominations, and unfair political practices."

He went on to say, "If party politics can no longer function properly, then it is time for citizens themselves to usher in a new era of local governance." He pointed out, "A politics that prioritizes division over citizen unity, and political maneuvering over policy competition, is not the right way to serve the people."

In its declaration, Independent Solidarity pledged to restore trust in local politics, practice citizen-centered governance, establish meaningful alliances for regional development, and foster a fair and transparent election culture.

In particular, they stated, "We will reject smear campaigns, false slander, and politically mobilized organizations and instead foster an election culture that competes on policies and vision."

Preliminary candidate Cho emphasized, "This election is not merely a political contest, but a crucial choice that will determine the future of Jinju and the dignity of its citizens. We will trust only the citizens and, with their support, create a just Jinju."

He added, "The incumbent city council members and candidates who have joined us are running not just for their own campaigns, but to restore the pride of the citizens and revive the Jinju spirit. We will join forces to achieve genuine change in citizen-centered politics."