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▲At the April 26 opening, candidate Gu Ja-yeol drew approximately 1,000 party leaders and supporters — including Woo Sang-ho, Song Ki-heon, Baek Seung-ah, Lee Kwang-jae and Choi Moon-soon — who rallied behind his pledge to win. Reporter Esther Park
WONJU — Esther Park, Energy & Economy News. Gu Ja-yeol, the Democratic Party candidate for Wonju mayor, formally began consolidating support with the opening of his campaign office.
On the afternoon of the 24th, Gu held a launch event in Musil-dong, Wonju. Key figures from the ruling party attended in force — including gubernatorial hopeful Woo Sang-ho, lawmakers Song Ki-heon and Baek Seung-ah, former governors Lee Kwang-jae and Choi Moon-soon, and former lawmaker Shim Ki-joon — all signaling their commitment to secure victory.
▲Former Wonju Mayor Won Chang-muk and Wonju City Council Vice Chair Gwak Moon-geun — both participants in the Democratic Party primary — attended Gu Ja-yeol’s Citizen Participation Camp opening on the 26th and pledged to operate as one team. Reporter Esther Park
Observers say the event formalized a \”one-team\” structure by bringing together even those who had competed in the primary. In particular, former mayor Won Chang-muk and primary contender Gwak Moon-geun stood side by side, reinforcing the unity message.
Gu’s campaign committee has been organized on a large scale, broadly including local political figures and civic leaders. Ye Jun-seong and Song Ki-heon serve as standing campaign chairs, and former mayor Won Chang-muk and other local figures serve as co-chairs.
With numerous provincial and city council candidates joining, the campaign effectively functions as a unified election committee that has rallied nearly the entire local slate.
▲Gubernatorial candidate Woo Sang-ho delivers remarks at Gu Ja-yeol’s Citizen Participation Camp opening on the 26th. Reporter Esther Park
▲Gubernatorial candidate Woo Sang-ho embraces Gu Ja-yeol at the Citizen Participation Camp opening on the 26th to demonstrate their shared resolve to win. Reporter Esther Park
In his congratulatory remarks, Woo Sang-ho said, \”We must stop the outflow of young people and reverse the regional economic slump. This election is a starting point to revive Gangwon’s economy.\”
He added, \”Gu Ja-yeol is a prepared candidate with provincial government experience,\” and pledged, \”If elected, I will fully support the policies and budgets Wonju needs for development.\”
Former governor Lee Kwang-jae emphasized concession and unity during the primary, saying, \”Unity within the Democratic Party is the party’s competitiveness. That strength will bring change to Wonju.\” Former governor Choi Moon-soon appealed for support as well, calling Gu \”the right person to elevate Wonju with his provincial experience and policy insight,\” and adding, \”Applying that experience to Wonju will help it become Gangwon’s central city and lead other regions.\”
▲At the Musil-dong Citizen Participation Camp opening on the 26th, Gu Ja-yeol declared the start of a new, authentic Wonju era. Reporter Esther Park
Gu said, \”The mayor’s office should not be overly political; we must deliver an administration rooted in inclusion and unity.\”
He stressed, \”Historically, Wonju formed where diverse forces intersected. The city has a strong tradition of openness and inclusivity. We must continue that tradition and place citizens at the center of municipal governance.\”
\”Wonju has a history of democracy and resistance,\” he added, \”but now we must move beyond conflict and realize citizens’ sovereignty. We will implement participatory governance that reflects citizens’ opinions when deciding major policies.\”
He also said, \”Reducing citizens’ cost of living is the starting point for municipal governance. We will restructure spending in healthcare, welfare and transportation to build a city that lowers living costs.\”
He added, \”We will foster AI-based industries by leveraging Wonju’s medical data and innovation-city infrastructure. Our goal is to build a new growth model that integrates advanced industries with the local economy.\”
▲Gu Ja-yeol declared the start of a new, authentic Wonju era at the Musil-dong Citizen Participation Camp opening on the 26th. Reporter Esther Park
Gu emphasized his core platform, the \”T5 Wonju Future Plan\”: T1 Half-Cost Wonju — cutting living costs in half; T2 Advanced Wonju — developing medical AI industries and revitalizing idle land; T3 Vitality Wonju — creating jobs for young people, women and middle-aged workers; T4 Attractive Wonju — enhancing cultural rights and quality of life; and T5 Secure Wonju — strengthening public healthcare, welfare and safety.
Running under the slogan \”From now on, the real Wonju — Open Up, Gu Ja-yeol,\” he is campaigning for the Wonju mayoral seat. He graduated from Myeongnyun Elementary, Wonju Middle and Wonju High schools, earned a master’s degree in political science from Yonsei University’s graduate school, and completed doctoral coursework in political science and diplomacy at Kangwon National University. He served in the 8th and 9th Kangwon Provincial Assembly and as chief of staff to the provincial governor.
According to Gu’s campaign, a recent ophthalmology exam diagnosed him with a vitreous hemorrhage and a retinal tear; doctors have recommended a minor procedure scheduled for the 28th. He said, \”I will focus on a quick recovery to avoid causing unnecessary concern among citizens while continuing to run a responsible campaign.\”
▲Gu Ja-yeol declared the start of a new, authentic Wonju era at the Musil-dong Citizen Participation Camp opening on the 26th. Reporter Esther Park
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