Four-term lawmaker Seo Young-kyo announces bid for Seoul mayor

SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) - Lawmaker Seo Young-kyo of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) announced her bid for Seoul mayor on Thursday, vowing to "transform the capital into a leading global economic and cultural hub."

At a press conference at the National Assembly on Thursday, months ahead of local elections slated for June 3, the four-term lawmaker said Seoul must turn into a "city where Seoul citizens are truly the owners," pledging to deliver "proven results" that directly improve residents' lives.

She outlined her key campaign pledges which include supplying 300,000 new homes and setting a target of 7,000 points for the benchmark KOSPI. Other priorities include expanding support for small business owners, strengthening welfare for children and senior citizens and increasing subway services for commuters.

Seo criticized incumbent Oh Se-hoon, saying he has failed to improve the daily lives of Seoul residents by focusing only on showy projects. She added she will instead encourage more citizens to participate in various city projects.

Within the DP, Park Hong-geun, Park Ju-min, and Kim Young-bae have already declared their candidacy. Additional candidates including Seongdong district's mayor Jung Won-oh, who gained attention after President Lee Jae Myung's recent praise for his achievements, are also expected to join the race soon.