Shin Jeonghoon, Only Candidate to Finish May 18 Marathon: "Proving with Results, Not Words"

Accompanied by Prime Minister Kim Minseok
A Shared History of Democratization in the Spotlight

Candidate Shin Junghoon is raising his hand in response to the cheers of citizens after completing the 'May 18 Campus Marathon'. Provided by Candidate Shin Junghoon's team

Shin Jeonghoon, the Democratic Party candidate for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Mayor primary, was the only candidate among the three to complete the 'May 18 Campus Marathon' held at Chonnam National University on April 5. His actions are being seen as a demonstration of his commitment to "politics of ultimate responsibility," a message he has consistently emphasized.

According to Shin's campaign team, the marathon event featured both a 5.18km course symbolizing the meaning of May 18 and a 10km course for citizen participation, drawing a large attendance from political and local figures.

Notably, Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Chonnam National University President Lee Geunbae, and Shin's primary rivals Min Hyungbae and Kim Youngrok also took part in the event.

Before the marathon, Shin held a tea meeting with Prime Minister Kim, during which they discussed local issues and directions for regional development.

The two share a history of being incarcerated together during the democratization movement in the 1980s, including the U.S. Cultural Center sit-in. Their joint appearance on this day is interpreted as a symbolic scene that links their past "struggle" to their current pursuit of "responsible politics."

Moreover, whether or not the candidates completed the marathon naturally became a point of comparison.

Although all three candidates stood at the starting line for the 5.18km course, only Shin crossed the finish line. Observers noted that this highlighted not only a politically conscious gesture but also a symbolism that goes beyond mere physical endurance.

Shin stated, "In politics, the end matters more than the beginning," adding, "The integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju is not just a declaration but a process that must be seen through to the end." He further emphasized, "Ultimately, what voters want is not words, but results."

After completing the marathon event, Shin continued his regional activities by attending Easter services held in the Gwangju and Naju areas on the same day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.