Daejeon’s Election: How Lee Jang-woo Plans to Counter Central Power in 2026

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Lee Jang-woo, the People Power Party candidate for Daejeon mayor, framed this local election as a referendum to check the national government and called for organized unity.

At the People Power Party joint meeting on the 4th, he said, “We are sensing a clear groundswell of unity at the grassroots level, and we must block any effort to dominate local governments after securing central power.”

He added that, as forces seek to control local government following the executive, legislative and judicial branches, citizens increasingly feel the need for checks and balances. “There is growing grassroots momentum to empower at least those forces that can provide that check,” he said.

Lee characterized the contest as a “team election” and urged coordinated action. He said mayoral candidates, district heads and city and district council members should operate as a single team, share platforms and messages, and establish a rapid-response system.

Drawing on past campaigns, he suggested a late comeback remains possible and urged colleagues to stay vigilant and to communicate with voters sincerely through the end of the campaign.

Lee Eun-gwon, chair of the Daejeon city party, also called for unity, warning that divisions among candidates lead to defeat. District head candidates likewise emphasized cooperation, viewing the race as an opportunity both to check the national government and to rebuild the conservative movement.

The meeting also reviewed the campaign’s key pledges and strategy.

Lee proposed a transportation overhaul through the introduction of trackless trams (TRT). He also unveiled measures to expand support for farmers and foresters and to increase refund rates on Onnuri gift certificates to revitalize traditional markets.

He said he plans to consolidate support through precision-targeting strategies that tailor messages to specific regions and demographic groups.

“If all candidates move forward as one in the remaining period, we can win the people’s vote,” Lee said. “I will lead the effort to secure victory.”