Why the New Coalition in Gangwon is Key to a Progressive Future: Insights from Woo Sang-ho

Democratic, progressive and reformist parties in Gangwon Province have declared their support for Woo Sang-ho, the Democratic Party of Korea’s candidate for governor, and said they will join forces to build a new Gangwon.

On the 12th, four parties—the Gangwon chapter of the Democratic Party of Korea, the Basic Income Party, the Progressive Party and the Party for National Innovation—held a \”Declaration of Support and Partnership for Candidate Woo Sang-ho\” at Woo’s campaign headquarters.

They launched the New Gangwon Partnership Committee to coordinate policy and agreed to pursue nine core initiatives, including establishing a Gangwon-style basic social safety net to address population decline, strengthening public services, responding to the climate crisis, promoting balanced development in border regions, and pursuing peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Yong Hye-in, leader of the Basic Income Party, endorsed Woo and said, \”After the financial shock and unrest triggered by Kim Jin-tae, Gangwon’s livelihoods are in tatters; the region needs capable leadership,\” calling Woo the right person for the job.

Rep. Son Sol of the Progressive Party added, \”Candidate Woo has set an example of partnership by moving beyond old-style politics and demonstrating coalition governance.\”

Woo Sang-ho described the event as \”a meaningful gathering of the parties that defended democracy during the 12·3 emergency martial law crisis,\” saying the parties are coming together again to support democracy and balanced regional development in Gangwon. He added, \”This election should be a forum of unity where conservatives and progressives, across political lines, join to open a new future for Gangwon.\”