Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok Announces Presidential Candidacy

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok officially announced his candidacy for the 21st Presidential Election on April 9, 2025, at Jayu Park in Incheon. The announcement came during a press conference held at 11:00 AM, where Yoo expressed his determination to launch a 'second Incheon Landing Operation' aimed at revitalizing South Korea, which he believes is facing a crisis in liberal democracy.

Yoo stated, "I will carry out the second Incheon Landing Operation and create a new South Korea," emphasizing the historical significance of Jayu Park as the site where the original Incheon Landing Operation occurred 75 years ago. He noted that the value of freedom is being undermined, with rampant division and conflict, and a growing influence of politicians' greed in the nation.

In his declaration, Yoo promised to end the politics of deception and populism that he claims exhaust the citizens. He proclaimed his vision of a new South Korea filled with truth, justice, and freedom, stating, "I will create a new nation of national unity, where hard work is rewarded and conservative values are respected."

Yoo outlined his goals to become a president focused on constitutional amendments, reform, and people-centered governance. He vowed to dismantle the current 1987 constitutional system, which he described as outdated and ill-fitting for contemporary society, and to usher in a new era of genuine national sovereignty through decentralized constitutional amendments. He said, "We will open a genuine era of national sovereignty through decentralized constitutional amendments that return the imperial power held by the President, the central government, and the National Assembly to the people."

To prevent the abuse of power in the National Assembly, Yoo proposed restructuring it into a bicameral system and introducing a Jung-Daeseon electoral system. He asserted, "Through constitutional amendment, we will reorganize the National Assembly and prevent the abuse of power in the National Assembly."

Yoo's vision extends to economic reform as well. He pledged to enact a free market economy basic law, aiming to fundamentally curb anti-corporate and anti-market behavior, thereby creating a robust economic structure where growth and distribution circulate smoothly. He declared, "I will create a new economic powerhouse that achieves a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution."

In addressing social issues, Yoo promised to be a president who wipes away the tears of struggling citizens. He emphasized the need for a society that rewards hard work and punishes idleness, stating, "I will create a society where those who don’t work fail, and those who work are rewarded." He criticized politicians who, in his view, exploit the system for their own gain, saying, "I will eliminate politicians who live by freeloading on others, deceiving and inciting populism, and dividing the people for their own political interests, like parasitic politicians."

Yoo's commitment to national unity was a recurring theme in his speech. He expressed his desire to rebuild the values of genuine freedom and conservatism, aiming to unite the nation. He remarked, "I will create a united Korea that has lost itself as one and lost today as the shadow of tomorrow, and become a Yoo Jeong-bok who ends the era of corrupt politicians."

The mayor's political background is notable; he previously served as the Governor of Gimpo County, the head of the Incheon Seo-gu Office, and the Mayor of Gimpo. He is also a three-term National Assembly member and has held ministerial positions under past administrations, including Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and Minister of Security and Public Administration.

Yoo concluded his announcement with a strong call to action, stating, "I will become a Yoo Jeong-bok who ends the era of corrupt politicians and ushers in a new era of integrity and unity for our nation." His campaign is expected to resonate with voters seeking change and a return to core democratic values as South Korea approaches the presidential election.