Editorial | Donghae’s New Mayor: The First Mission Is Not Victory, but Unity

Donghae is not a city untouched by political change. The recent election result itself marks a significant turning point in the city's history.

For the first time since the introduction of local self-government in 1995, a progressive mayor has been elected in Donghae. In a region long regarded as a conservative stronghold, the victory of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jeong-hak over the People Power Party candidate sends a clear message from voters: "It is time for change."

Yet this was not a landslide victory.

A margin of just 3,117 votes is not merely a mandate for celebration—it is a reminder of responsibility. Nearly half of Donghae's voters made a different choice. Some citizens continue to raise concerns about election administration and early voting procedures, while others simply remain unconvinced by the outcome. Regardless of political affiliation, the reality is that divisions and distrust still exist within the community.

That is why the new mayor's first responsibility must be unity.

The transition committee should become the starting point of that effort.

If the committee is filled exclusively with campaign loyalists and political allies, the new administration risks becoming a government for only one side. However, if it includes voices from across the political spectrum—young and old, business owners and workers, urban and rural communities, conservatives and progressives—it can become a platform for healing and cooperation.

The challenges facing Donghae are far greater than partisan politics.

Population decline, youth outmigration, industrial revitalization, tourism development, healthcare accessibility, urban regeneration, and economic recovery are not Democratic Party issues or People Power Party issues. They are Donghae's issues.

The citizens voted for change, but they did not vote for division.

They sought new leadership, not political revenge.

A mayor becomes truly strong not by defeating opponents, but by embracing those who did not vote for him. If the new administration demonstrates humility, fairness, and competence, Donghae may enter a new era of growth and cooperation. If it chooses arrogance and exclusion, however, the narrow margin of victory could quickly become a warning sign for the future.

The transition committee is the first test.

If unity begins there, Donghae can move forward together. If division begins there, the opportunity created by this historic election may be lost before the new administration even begins.

Victory wins elections.

Unity wins the future.