Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party officially launched their campaigns for the Seoul mayoral election on May 21. The two candidates began a 13-day campaign across the city, engaging in a fierce contest for votes.
On the first day of the official campaign, both candidates visited key locations at midnight. Jung went to the Dongseoul Postal Center in Gwangjin-gu, while Oh visited the Garak Agricultural and Marine Products Wholesale Market in Songpa-gu. Jung encouraged workers on the night shift and personally moved packages in the sorting area, while Oh greeted wholesalers and assisted with the auction of cabbage and radishes.
Later, they traveled throughout Seoul to appeal for voter support. Jung held his official launch event at Wangsimni Station in Seongdong-gu, which he considers his political hometown, having served as the district's mayor for three terms. He emphasized that this election is about changing the capabilities of local government, urging citizens to vote for a revitalized local economy and a safer Seongdong.
Following the launch, Jung continued campaigning near Konkuk University, at a bus terminal, and around Gangnam Station. He criticized Oh's safety awareness regarding the construction site of the GTX-A line at Samsung Station, where missing rebar was discovered. Jung claimed it was a clear case of poor construction, stating, "If Oh had been concerned about safety, this issue would have been reported to the mayor."
Oh, after the sun rose, expressed his aspirations for the election in Samyang-dong, where he spent his childhood. He stated, "This election should call for a shift in the government's livelihood policies and serve as a warning to the Blue House against the path of dictatorship."
Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, known for his centrist stance, joined Oh to lend support. Yoo remarked, "The candidate who prioritizes housing welfare for Seoul citizens should become the mayor, and I will actively assist Oh, who shares this vision."
Oh then visited several districts, including Seodaemun, Yeongdeungpo, Guro, Seongbuk, and Dongdaemun, highlighting the government's failures in real estate policy that have led to a shortage of rental properties and skyrocketing rents. He urged voters to hold the government accountable for its real estate missteps. Oh concluded the first day of campaigning with a rally in Cheonggye Plaza during rush hour, before moving to Gangnam Station to wrap up the day's events.
The official campaign period for the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections, scheduled for June 3, lasts for 13 days until the day before voting on June 2. Early voting will take place over two days, on May 29 and 30.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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