Lee Jae-ho wins third term as Yeonsu-gu district mayor, vows to serve all 440,000 residents

People Power Party candidate Lee Jae-ho, who won a third term as district mayor of Yeonsu-gu in Incheon, pledged Thursday to lead an administration built on unity and open communication, saying he would be "the district mayor for all 440,000 residents of Yeonsu-gu — embracing both their support and their criticism."

In a victory statement Thursday, Lee said he was "deeply grateful for the great choice made by residents," adding that the win was "not simply the victory of one individual, but the great victory of all residents who wish for Yeonsu-gu's uninterrupted development and a better tomorrow."

He said he would "never forget the profound trust placed in me once again to lead Yeonsu's future," and extended his condolences and gratitude to rival candidate Jeong Ji-yeol for running a fair and spirited campaign.

Lee acknowledged the divisions that surfaced during the election and called for reconciliation. "I know well that the intensity of this race has left wounds throughout the community," he said. "Now is the time to tear down the walls that have divided us and come together as one."

He said he would embrace not only the hopes of those who supported him but also the sharp criticism and concerns of those who did not. "I will be a district mayor who gives voice to every resident of Yeonsu-gu," he said.

Lee also reaffirmed the promises he made to residents during the campaign. "I will not take lightly a single pledge made while sweating through every alley and market, holding the hands of residents," he said. "I will listen with greater humility and work even harder on the ground."

He added that he would "bring new hope to Yeonsu-gu through communication and unity, moving beyond confrontation and discord," and vowed to repay residents' trust with an administration that makes a real difference in their daily lives.