On April 13, 2026, the Ulsan City Council press center became the focal point of a significant political and labor development as the Ulsan branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU Ulsan, 민주노총 울산본부) held a press conference to declare its unequivocal support for Kim Jong-hoon, the Progressive Party’s preliminary candidate for Ulsan mayor in the upcoming June 3 local elections. This public endorsement is more than a routine show of solidarity—it marks a pivotal moment in Ulsan’s political landscape, signaling a push for a new era where labor’s interests take center stage amidst sweeping industrial and demographic changes.
At the heart of the union’s message was the assertion that the upcoming local election is not merely about changing the city’s leadership. According to coverage by 울산종합일보 and other local outlets, the union argued that, “This local election is a milestone to begin a ‘labor-centered great transition’ prioritizing workers’ lives and happiness amid rapidly changing industrial structures.” The KCTU Ulsan leaders emphasized that Ulsan, a city historically anchored by heavy industry, now faces profound challenges—population decline and a steady outflow of young people, for starters. These trends, they warned, threaten the city’s economic vitality and social fabric.
The union’s solution? A bold shift toward what they call a “labor-centered local economic virtuous cycle structure.” The idea, as articulated at the press conference, is to create a regional economy where the value of labor is directly linked to consumption and investment, thus revitalizing local businesses and communities. As the union put it, “Workers must be respected and subcontracted workers’ treatment must be substantially improved to revitalize local businesses.” In their view, only by uplifting the status and well-being of all workers—including those in irregular or subcontracted roles—can Ulsan hope to reverse its demographic woes and foster sustainable growth.
But the union’s message reached beyond economics. They spoke passionately about the need for a new kind of municipal leadership—one that refuses to let technological progress come at the expense of workers. “Technological advances such as AI transition and automation must not marginalize labor,” the KCTU Ulsan stated, underscoring the urgency of a “people-centered transition” in the face of rapid automation and artificial intelligence. They argued that Ulsan needs an expert at the helm who can both enforce corporate social responsibility and protect jobs from being swept away by the tides of technological change.
In a pointed critique of previous administrations, the union called for a transformation in local government’s approach to labor-management relations. “We must move beyond ignoring labor-management issues and establish a culture of ‘respect for labor’ in all public and private sectors,” they insisted. For too long, they argued, city officials have turned a blind eye to the struggles of ordinary workers, allowing labor disputes and poor working conditions to fester. The KCTU Ulsan’s endorsement was thus also a demand for a new ethos in city hall—one rooted in dialogue, accountability, and a genuine commitment to labor rights.
Central to the union’s argument was their belief in Kim Jong-hoon as the right person to lead this transformation. The press conference was filled with praise for Kim’s track record and character. “Kim Jong-hoon is a proven and prepared leader who has worked closely with workers, having served as Dong-gu district mayor and National Assembly member, listening to workers’ voices and providing practical solutions,” the union declared. They described him as someone who has “stood in the rain with workers,” a reference to his willingness to join laborers on the ground during difficult times, rather than remaining detached in an office. During the painful restructuring at Hyundai Heavy Industries—a defining episode for Ulsan’s workforce—Kim was lauded for supporting subcontracted workers and advocating for their rights when few others would.
The union’s endorsement was not merely rhetorical. “We pledge to walk the path of victory with Kim Jong-hoon to create a Ulsan where all workers feel pride and are not forced to give up their future due to irregular employment,” they announced. This vision of a fairer, more inclusive Ulsan—where every worker, regardless of contract status, can aspire to a stable and dignified life—formed the emotional core of the press conference. The union’s leaders painted a picture of a city where “the sweat of working people is a source of pride” and where “no one must forfeit their future because of irregular employment.”
Beyond the immediate political implications, the KCTU Ulsan’s move reflects broader national debates in South Korea about the role of labor in a rapidly changing economy. Ulsan, often dubbed the “industrial heartland” of the country, has long been a bellwether for labor relations and economic policy. The city’s experience with industrial restructuring, automation, and demographic shifts mirrors challenges faced across South Korea—and indeed, much of the developed world. By framing the election as a referendum on labor’s place in society, the union is tapping into anxieties about job security, inequality, and the social costs of unchecked technological progress.
The union also made clear that their support for Kim Jong-hoon was not based solely on party affiliation or ideology, but on his “genuine and proven ability” to deliver tangible improvements for workers. “Kim Jong-hoon is not a bureaucrat stuck behind a desk, but a leader who listens to the voices on the ground and crafts realistic alternatives,” they said. This distinction was crucial for the union, which has at times been critical of politicians who pay lip service to labor rights without following through on meaningful reforms.
As the June 3 local elections approach, the KCTU Ulsan’s endorsement is likely to reverberate throughout the city’s political scene. Labor unions remain a powerful force in Ulsan, and their backing can sway not only workers but also their families and communities. The Progressive Party, for its part, will be hoping that the union’s support translates into votes at the ballot box—and perhaps sets a precedent for other regions where labor’s voice has been marginalized.
For many in Ulsan, the stakes could hardly be higher. The city stands at a crossroads, facing both the promise and peril of industrial transformation. Whether Kim Jong-hoon and his labor-centered platform can deliver on the union’s lofty vision remains to be seen. But for now, the message from Ulsan’s labor movement is clear: they are ready to fight for a future where workers are not just an afterthought, but the very heart of the city’s revival.