Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Won-taek is virtually assured of winning the North Jeolla governor race in the 9th nationwide local elections. According to the National Election Commission on the 4th, as of 1 a.m. on the 3rd, with 61.37% of the votes counted, Lee was in first place with 51.62%.
Kim Kwan-young, an independent candidate for North Jeolla governor who was initially expected to be in a close race with Lee, trailed with 41.63%, falling behind Lee in vote share. The gap between the two candidates is 9.09 percentage points (p).
That day, Lee delivered his victory remarks, saying, "This was the hardest election among all past elections," and added, "I will sincerely accept the mission and role entrusted by the residents, and I will do my utmost to achieve a great leap forward and change in North Jeolla."
Lee also said, "There are residents who supported independent candidate Kim Kwan-young, and I will carry forward the values, policies, and projects they have in mind, and move forward through inclusiveness and unity."