Independent Penghu County Magistrate candidate Hsu Chih-fu has proposed a "Build a Pet-Friendly Happy Penghu" platform, emphasizing responsible pet ownership, developing pet tourism, and addressing stray animal issues to create a harmonious environment for both humans and animals.
In the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections, conservative candidates secured victories in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region for governor and superintendent positions. However, independent candidates achieved notable wins in some Gyeongbuk county executive races, including Uleung, Seongju, Uljin, and Cheongdo.
Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon has won the parliamentary by-election in Busan's Buk-gap district, defeating ruling and opposition party candidates. Han pledged to develop the district and rebuild conservatism.
Independent candidate Kim Kwan-young criticized Democratic Party officials for suggesting a by-election if he wins the Jeonbuk governorship, calling it a challenge to the public and democratic order. Kim vowed to rejoin the party within two months if elected and urged voters to prioritize local choices over central politics.
Independent candidate Kim Sung-geun has declared his support for People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik in the upcoming Busan Buk-gap by-election. Kim cited the need for a "real worker" in the district, criticizing other candidates for exploiting the area for personal gain.
Independent gubernatorial candidate Kim Kwan-young denied claims of collusion with the president, stating his remarks were misinterpreted and that further political debate would not benefit the president or citizens.
Independent candidate Kim Jong-hoe, running in the Gunsan-Gimje-Buan by-election, unveiled "3 major farmer survival pledges" focused on expanding government purchases of rice paddy soybeans, ensuring national responsibility for essential agricultural materials, and expanding public foreign seasonal worker programs.
The Democratic Party's Jeonbuk provincial chapter criticized independent candidate Kim Kwan-young for running for governor despite acknowledging the risk of election invalidation due to alleged cash distribution to proxy drivers. They questioned who would bear the cost of a by-election and the resulting administrative chaos.
Independent candidate Apexa Soni won Ward 7 in Godhra, a communally sensitive area with minimal Hindu voters, in a landslide victory. The ward, comprising localities like Satpul, Hayatni Wadi and Vachla Odha, is located near sites linked to the 2002 Sabarmati Express burning. After losing the 2021 election by around 100 votes, residents from the Muslim community persuaded her to contest again. Her consistent civic work and continued service even after defeat earned her widespread support.
