Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, strongly criticized rival Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party on June 1 for his claims regarding a "Seoul Discount," calling them "absurd and unfounded." Oh refuted assertions that his administration has diminished Seoul's competitiveness.
Speaking to reporters before a campaign event in Mangwoo-dong, Jung's remarks were labeled as "a strange expression not commonly used like 'Korea Discount.'" He added, "To use such terms and imply that I am the cause is an absurd and unfounded accusation."
Oh further claimed that Jung would be responsible for diminishing the city's prestige and competitiveness. He stated, "A Democratic mayor, who has consistently criticized Seoul's branding strategies and urban marketing policies as 'exhibition administration, superficial administration, and unnecessary investment,' would be the catalyst for a Seoul Discount."
He emphasized that the potential for a Seoul Discount would increase if an unprepared and inadequate candidate like Jung were to become mayor.
Earlier that day, Jung held a press conference in front of Seoul Station, urging voters to end the "Seoul Discount" on June 3. He specifically pointed to Oh's administration as the source of safety negligence, incompetence, and irresponsibility, stating, "I will focus on overcoming these issues to restore Seoul's premium during the remaining campaign period."
The two candidates also exchanged barbs over Oh's characterization of Jung as a "puppet of President Lee Jae-myung." Oh claimed that if Jung were elected, he would essentially be a puppet mayor, unable to voice dissent in cabinet meetings.
In response, Jung remarked, "Oh has admitted he was a puppet of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. I have always stood up for citizens and voiced concerns even when serving as a district chief under Mayor Park Won-soon."
He criticized Oh for attending only two cabinet meetings during the Lee Jae-myung administration, stating, "To kick away opportunities and then ask for them again is typical behavior of an incompetent and irresponsible person."
However, Oh maintained his stance, asserting that voters who have observed Jung's actions would conclude that he would be a compliant puppet mayor focused on aligning with the president. He added, "The weight of a mayor elected by ten million citizens is significantly different from that of a mayor at the end of their term. I will do my best to ensure that the president's flawed real estate policies are directed toward the right path."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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