Gyeongsan Mayor Jo Hyeon-il wins re-election: 'We will all move forward together for a better Gyeongsan'

Gyeongsan Mayor Jo Hyeon-il won re-election Thursday in the 9th nationwide local elections, securing a second consecutive term.

In a victory statement Thursday, Jo said he was "sincerely and deeply grateful" to residents for their support and extended his thanks to his opponent. "I also offer my heartfelt consolation and gratitude to candidate Kim Ki-hyeon, who ran a fair and clean campaign until the very end," he said.

Jo said the voices of ordinary residents had carried him to victory. "From the moment I last stood here to today, I have not forgotten you for a single instant," he said. "The voices I heard walking the alleyways at dawn, the market entrances, the early mornings along the Namcheon River — each and every one of those precious hopes brought about this result."

Jo also paid tribute to all who ran in the local elections. "To everyone who put themselves forward in this election — thank you for your hard work," he said. "We will all move forward together for a better Gyeongsan."