The contest between the governing party and the opposition has officially started in preparation for next year's municipal elections. Se...
The contest between the governing party and the opposition has officially started in preparation for next year's municipal elections. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is leading the charge. The ruling party's efforts are all directed at him. Even the prime minister and ministers have come forward to criticize him. This also shows that he is a strong adversary.
Mayor Oh stated, “The weight on my shoulders is significant.” He has not backed down from any issue. In response to the ruling party's continuous criticism of "Oh Se-hoon-style projects" including the redevelopment near Jongmyo Shrine, the Han River bus service, and Gwanghwamun Garden, he remarked, “Aren’t the government and ruling party essentially confirming that I am a competent mayor?” He claimed that the underdevelopment of central Seoul and the Gangbuk area is due to former Mayor Park Won-soon and the ruling party, who obstructed redevelopment and reconstruction. He also accused former Mayor Park and Democratic Party-aligned district leaders of being responsible for the sharp increase in housing prices. He emphasized that he will transform Seoul into a top-five global city through urban renewal and bring about a prosperous era for Gangbuk.
Nevertheless, concerning the People Power Party (PPP), he composed a letter of introspection. He stated that the party needs to genuinely reflect on the martial law era and put an end to the "Yoon Suk-yeol Again" group. He contended that only by reforming the party's structure and redefining its foundation can public backing be restored.
Strong Regret for Not Participating in the Presidential Election
-Why are you running for the position of Seoul mayor for the fifth time?
Seoul and the metropolitan region constitute half of South Korea and its core. I barely saved Seoul, which had been controlled by left-wing groups and civic organizations, and initiated a new drive. I cannot allow that flame to be put out.
-Some individuals express regret that the result might have been different if you had participated in the previous presidential election or hold you responsible for not running.
Recently, I have experienced moments of remorse. Each time I witness the ruling party utilizing all power structures to strip the president of the 'defendant' title and pressure the judiciary, I feel a deep sense of regret. If I had participated in the presidential election and lost, I would have had to relinquish both the presidency and the mayoral position, which would have been a significant burden.
-There are critiques suggesting that, although you have served as mayor for four terms, you lack concrete accomplishments.
The time of showcasing accomplishments through the construction of a few pieces of hardware or infrastructure has ended. Objective data illustrate how much Seoul has advanced. The city's global competitiveness ranking climbed to 6th, and its potential increased to 2nd. Its rankings in categories such as financial hub, startup-friendly city, smart city, and attractive city have all risen into the top 10. We established the Seoul Beltway Trail, the DDP convention landmark, and the Climate Companion Card. We also introduced the Seoul Learn initiative (free online courses for low-income individuals) and the Han River Renaissance project. The Stepping Stone Income, a low-income support program that differs from the Lee Jae-myung administration's basic income, was also tested.
-What is your connection to Mr. Myung Tae-kyun? You are being probed by a special prosecutor for allegedly providing funds in return for public opinion surveys.
There is no proof backing up Mr. Myung's statement. I never asked for any public opinion surveys. The survey was a fraud, and when I declined to meet him, he kept appearing like a stalker. The money provided to Mr. Myung by supporter Kim was payment for the party's opinion polls. If the special prosecutor continues with an unfair prosecution, it will be challenging to sustain the indictment.
A Metropolis Where Work, Living, and Recreation Are All Achievable in 5 Minutes
-The Democratic Party is slowing down Seoul's initiatives, which they refer to as a "relentless offensive."
The ruling party's continuous criticism of initiatives such as the Sewoon Plaza development near Jongmyo Shrine, the Han River bus, and Gwanghwamun Garden is actually proving that I am a competent mayor. It's a beneficial and appreciative situation.
-What is the reason for redeveloping the area near Jongmyo Shrine?
The central district has been deteriorating and lagging behind for many years. Although cultural heritage is significant, this is the final opportunity to restore the downtown area's character. Seoul also has fewer green spaces than global standards. We intend to raise building heights and utilize the reclaimed land to develop a green and ecological downtown. It will not negatively impact the view of Jongmyo Shrine. The government is disseminating misleading information.
-The Han River bus keeps experiencing interruptions. Isn't this an indication of insufficient planning?
Experiencing trial and error is unavoidable when trying something new. The Democratic Party is overstating things because this project appears to be gaining popularity. More than 10,000 individuals used it within the first ten days. If it exceeds 1 million users, it will serve as a model example of the Han River Renaissance initiative.
-You claimed you would turn Seoul into a top-five global city via urban renewal.
We strive to develop a city where work, living, and recreation (직주락) can be accessed within 5 to 10 minutes. In the Sewoon area, we intend to draw in world-renowned companies, construct apartments and office-tels, and also establish green parks and entertainment facilities such as creative musical theaters. We are planning to bring global major technology companies to the Yongsan International Business District. At the Chang-dong Vehicle Base, we will develop a digital bio city featuring industrial zones, transportation infrastructure, and a K-pop performance hall.
Oh Se-hoon Accused of Influencing Property Costs? Leftist's Defamation Effort
- The government's real estate policies implemented on October 15 have faced considerable backlash.
The key factor is maintaining a balance between supply and demand, yet housing prices keep increasing due to the absence of a supply plan that the public can agree with. Especially, there is no available land in Seoul. Redevelopment and reconstruction projects are essential. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has identified areas for constructing 310,000 homes and streamlined reconstruction processes. However, the government's actions are actually creating hindrances. These must be eliminated.
-The governing party brings up the matter of your accountability, asserting that the Seoul Metropolitan Government's removal of the Gangnam land transaction permit zone in early year led to an increase in property prices.
This is a liberal smear campaign. The area designated for land transaction permits was removed and reclassified in February-March of this year, and property prices remained steady between April and June.
-The Gangbuk region is behind in terms of housing, transportation, and cultural amenities, leading to a significant feeling of being deprived in comparison to others.
Former Mayor Park Won-soon and lawmakers from the Democratic Party are responsible for the current inadequate housing conditions in Gangbuk. They completely removed 430,000 households from redevelopment and reconstruction zones, which led to the current backward state of Gangbuk. I will push forward with the Gangbuk Crossline, which has been postponed due to preliminary feasibility studies, through any possible means. Regarding internal arterial roads, I intend to widen them and move them underground. I plan to significantly boost investments in industrial, residential, and transportation infrastructure in Gangbuk to bring about its golden era.
-The governing party has asked for an inquiry, alleging that you showed support for the martial law.
It is a political performance not deserving a response.
-Prime Minister Kim Min-seok appears to be focusing on you. Is he planning to campaign for the position of Seoul mayor?
He mentioned he wouldn't run when we met, but who can truly understand what's in someone's heart?
Marking a Boundary with 'Yoon Again,' People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok Is Required to Take the Lead
-Despite losing the presidential election, the People Power Party remains unchanged. What steps should it take to reform?
To succeed in elections, the middle class, urban regions, and young people's opinions are essential. Soon, it will mark the first anniversary of the December 3rd martial law. The party needs to genuinely apologize and reflect on the martial law. The PPP's transformation starts with this. Senior party members have suggested reforms such as re-establishing the party and altering its name, which I think is the correct path.
-There are still individuals within the party pushing for 'Yoon Suk-yeol Again' and 'firm right-wing partnerships.'
I would like to ask those individuals if they are comfortable with losing the local elections next year. We need to sincerely convince the 'Yoon Again' group, and if that fails, we should sever connections. The appropriate person for this role is People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok. Leader Jang has made efforts to calm those people down. Hence, he is capable of leading the reform initiatives from the front.
-Did you talk about this with Leader Jang?
We came together and exchanged our perspectives on the situation. Specifically, we concluded that without forming an electoral alliance or merging with the Reform Party, it will be challenging to secure victory in the metropolitan area elections. It is Leader Jang's responsibility to develop concrete solutions.
-You share a close personal relationship with Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform Party.
We should maintain communication while considering different scenarios. Although I value Leader Lee's positive comments towards me, if the party remains passive and relies solely on that, it will encounter significant challenges. The Reform Party has already announced its intention to nominate candidates in the local elections. What should we do if they run for district chiefs and city council positions? All city council members will be defeated. From now on, we need to systematically address electoral alliances or candidate unification strategies. We must collaborate with Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok, former legislator Yoo Seung-min, and others.
-What strategies can be used to secure the backing of individuals in their twenties and thirties?
We need to concentrate all our efforts on creating youth-focused policies. Individuals in their 20s and 30s do not support things without question; they react to policies that benefit them directly. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has set up youth employment academies in each of the 25 autonomous districts and introduced the Climate Companion Card and Young Tech initiatives.
Contemplating a Presidential Campaign? Observe My Actions, Not My Speech
-The main factor and duty regarding next year's local elections ultimately rests with you. Isn't the ruling party attempting to restrict you?
The feeling of responsibility is truly burdensome. However, I shouldn't only focus on defense; at times, taking the offensive is essential. The primary reasons for the underdevelopment of Seoul and Gangbuk are the former Mayor Park Won-soon and the Democratic Party administration. Former Mayor Park, Gangbuk legislators, and local district leaders were all involved when they removed 389 redevelopment and reconstruction areas. They deprived the area of housing development opportunities. For a decade, the Seoul budget was allocated to left-wing civic organizations.
-There is significant backlash against the Democratic Party's current direction.
In a nutshell, they have grown arrogant. They look down on the general public. It appears they believe people will forget within a month or two, yet the public does not forget. They are keeping it stored in their hearts.
-The government and the ruling party advise investing in stocks as property prices are rising rapidly.
Stock prices remain stable only if they reflect the true value of companies. The present economic conditions and trade environment are unfavorable, and if stock prices continue to rise in an artificial manner, it will lead to the formation of bubbles that will eventually burst. There are already indications of this. If they are unaware of this, it is a foolish government.
-Did you abandon the aspiration of seeking the presidency?
They claim one should observe a politician's actions rather than their words. It completely relies on the assessment of Seoul residents and the general public.
-What would you like to express to the people of Seoul?
The city administration is not something I can handle by myself. Without the collaboration of district leaders and the city council, nothing can be accomplished. The Yoon Suk-yeol government faced similar challenges—it couldn't make progress because of the National Assembly's chaos. I hope to have a genuine chance to work effectively.
☞Oh Se-hoon
Oh Se-hoon (64), the mayor of Seoul, was born in the city. He attended Daeil High School and studied law at Korea University. Following his success in the bar examination, he established a legal practice and also served as a television host. He joined the National Assembly during the 16th general election and spearheaded efforts for political reform. In 2006, at the age of 45, he became the youngest individual to be elected as Seoul's mayor, but he stepped down in 2011 after a public vote rejected the provision of free school meals. He was elected again in the 2021 by-election for the position of Seoul mayor and completed his fourth term the subsequent year.
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