Mayoral candidates in Seoul have launched the first phase of their election campaigns through a series of rallies and speeches [1].
The start of this campaign period marks the official beginning of the race to lead South Korea's capital, as candidates attempt to define their platforms and mobilize voters ahead of the election.
The campaign phase is titled the “13일의 열전,” or the 13-day battle [1]. Participants in the initial events included Democratic Party mayoral candidate 정원오 and the party's senior deputy chair 정청래 [1]. Representing the People Power Party were mayoral candidate 오세훈 and senior deputy chair 장동혁 [1].
Campaign activities took place across various venues within Seoul, featuring interactions with local citizens, including merchants [1]. The events were designed to present campaign concepts and rally public support through direct engagement.
During the activities, 정청래 asked about the specific concept of the day's events [1]. 정원오 said, "오시니까 든든합니다. 힘을 내서" [1].
The candidates are focusing on delivering positive messages to the citizenry as the election window narrows. 정원오 said, "좋은 소식들이 시민들께 전달되기를 바라고 6월 3일 날도 좋은 소식으로 전달되기를 희망합니다. 감사합니다" [1].
The campaign's timeline and rhetoric are now centering on the lead-up to June 3, 2024, which is cited as a key date for hopeful news regarding the election outcome [2].
“The candidates launched the first phase of their mayoral campaign, dubbed the “13일의 열전” (13‑day battle).”
The launch of the '13-day battle' signifies a transition from quiet campaigning to high-visibility public mobilization. By deploying senior party leadership alongside mayoral candidates, both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party are signaling that the Seoul mayoralty is a critical strategic prize in the broader national political landscape.
