Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, and Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, held their final large-scale campaign rallies on June 2, one day before the election. Each candidate appealed for votes, with Jung emphasizing 'national stability' and Oh advocating for 'government oversight.'
At his rally in Cheonggye Plaza, Jung urged voters, saying, "By voting, you can choose a successful Seoul alongside President Lee Jae-myung." He highlighted his vision for a revitalized Seoul that would become a global bucket-list destination, stating, "We can create a Seoul where the dreams of young people come alive again."
Jung called for strong support, saying, "Please elect a mayor who acts, not just speaks, and who keeps promises and proves results." He added, "Encourage your friends to vote, thinking that every vote counts."
Jung criticized his rival, Oh Se-hoon, for neglecting safety and failing to fulfill housing and economic promises. He pointed to his success in transforming Seongsu-dong, once an industrial area, into a global attraction, stating, "A candidate who disregards safety is unfit to be mayor. Choose someone who will create a safe Seoul."
He stressed the importance of having a mayor from the ruling party to work effectively with President Lee, saying, "Can you watch Oh hurl insults at President Lee during cabinet meetings?" He reiterated his plea for votes.
At his final rally near Sinchon Station, Oh expressed his vision for a proud Seoul, saying, "My dream is to create a Seoul that is admired and respected worldwide." He emphasized the significance of this election in making Seoul a top-three global city within four years.
Oh noted that Seoul has risen to sixth place in global city competitiveness rankings and pledged to deliver on the changes that have begun. He actively targeted young voters, highlighting that over 900 students have entered college this year through the free education platform 'Seoul Run' he established as mayor, stating, "The ladder for upward mobility is beginning to be restored." He promised, "If you give me four more years, I will strengthen this ladder, ensuring that young people can start on equal footing in Seoul."
Oh continued to criticize President Lee's administration and Jung's qualifications, saying, "President Lee is losing humility and becoming arrogant. If this continues, the rule of law and democracy in South Korea will begin to crumble. I urge you to give me overwhelming support to guide President Lee back on the right path."
He also targeted Jung, stating, "Seoul cannot be a practice course for novice drivers. We cannot entrust the city to an unqualified and unprepared candidate. Please protect Seoul."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.