On February 19, 2026, the political landscape of Pohang, a major city in South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province, shifted with the official resignation of Park Yong-seon from the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council. After twelve years of legislative service, Park made the bold decision to step down, setting his sights firmly on the mayoral seat in the upcoming local elections. The move, which comes just ahead of the preliminary candidate registration for the 9th nationwide local elections, signals both the end of a chapter and the determined start of another.
Park’s journey in public office began back in 2014, when he first took his seat in the 10th Gyeongbuk Provincial Council. Over the next twelve years, he would become a fixture of local politics, earning the trust of his constituents through three consecutive terms. According to coverage by BBS News, Park was widely recognized for his “field-focused legislative work and policy execution,” a reputation that followed him through the 11th and 12th councils. His approach was never one of distant governance; rather, he was often seen listening to citizens, visiting schools, and walking the streets to understand the everyday challenges facing Pohang’s residents.
During his tenure, Park became particularly well-known for his extensive work on the Education Committee. For eight years, he championed issues that touched the daily lives of students and parents alike—student safety, improvements to the educational environment, and better commuting conditions. As reported by local media, Park “addressed student safety, educational environment improvement, and commuting conditions,” ensuring that his legislative decisions were grounded in the realities faced by families across the city.
Park’s influence extended beyond education. In 2018, he took on the role of chairman of the Operations Committee, overseeing the inner workings of the council and steering it through complex debates. Later, during the first half of the 12th council, he served as vice-chairman, a position that put him at the heart of major issue coordination and council management. These roles placed Park in key decision-making positions, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both policy and administration—experience he now promises to bring to the mayor’s office.
With his resignation, Park made clear that his ambitions are rooted in a desire to tackle the multifaceted crises facing Pohang. The city, once buoyed by a thriving steel industry, has faced significant challenges in recent years. Economic stagnation, the outflow of young people, and the hollowing out of urban centers have all combined to create a sense of urgency. Park, in his own words, described the situation as “the turning point and the last golden time” for Pohang, emphasizing that the city stands at a crossroads.
“Now is the time to move into a position where I can directly take responsibility for Pohang’s future,” Park stated, according to BBS News. “I will break through the complex crisis of the steel industry downturn, regional economic stagnation, youth outflow, and urban hollowing with effective municipal administration.” The language is resolute, and the stakes are clear: Park believes that the next mayor must act decisively to steer Pohang through these turbulent times.
Reflecting on his twelve years in office, Park was candid about the weight of public service. “The last 12 years have been an honor, but above all, they have been a time of responsibility,” he said. “I have run tirelessly to listen on site and answer with budget and policy.” This commitment to listening and acting is a recurring theme in Park’s political philosophy. He has repeatedly pledged to “find answers in the field and complete them through administration,” a promise he now extends to the broader challenges facing Pohang.
Park’s vision for the city is ambitious yet grounded in practical experience. He has outlined a plan that includes industrial transformation, improvement of living infrastructure, strengthening of safety and care, and the integrated recovery of the regional economy. “Politics is judged not by words but by results,” Park asserted. “For Pohang to rise again, industry must run anew and the lights of the local economy must be rekindled. I will create changes that citizens can feel, one by one.”
His approach is notably comprehensive. Drawing on his experience as a council member, he intends to use his understanding of policy, budgeting, and administration to drive change. Park has promised that, if elected, he will be a mayor who “sees through to the end the promises made before the citizens.” It’s a pledge that resonates in a city hungry for effective leadership and tangible progress.
With the preliminary candidate registration set to open on February 20, Park is poised to launch a campaign focused on both policy and presence. He has stated that he will concentrate on “announcing campaign promises and field activities,” aiming to keep his ear to the ground and his feet firmly planted in the neighborhoods he hopes to serve. The official election is scheduled for June 3, 2026, giving Park just a few months to persuade voters that he is the leader Pohang needs at this critical juncture.
Observers in the local political scene have noted Park’s reputation for “steady evaluation in field-centered legislative activities and policy execution,” as described by regional analysts. His long-standing focus on practical, everyday issues—especially in education—has built a foundation of trust among many constituents. Yet, the challenges facing Pohang are complex, and Park’s ability to translate legislative experience into executive action will be closely watched by both supporters and skeptics.
Park’s candidacy comes at a time when many in Pohang are seeking answers to pressing questions: Can the city revitalize its once-mighty steel industry? Will young people find reasons to stay, or will the exodus continue? Can the urban core be brought back to life, or is decline inevitable? Park’s campaign, built on the promise of “politics grounded in listening to citizens and administrative execution,” seeks to provide hope—and, more importantly, results.
As the city enters what Park calls its “last golden time,” the stakes could hardly be higher. The next few months will reveal whether his message resonates with voters and whether his vision for Pohang’s future can become a reality. For now, Park Yong-seon stands as a candidate defined by experience, commitment, and a willingness to take on the toughest challenges facing his hometown.