Seoul mayoral candidates Jeong Won-oh (Democratic Party) and Oh Se-hoon (People Power Party) launched their campaigns Thursday in heavy rain [1].
The start of the official campaign period sets the stage for a clash over the city's governance, specifically regarding public safety and economic stability. Both candidates used their launch events to frame the election as a referendum on the current administration's performance.
Jeong held his campaign launch in Seongdong-gu, his political hometown [2]. During his speech, Jeong said the current administration has engaged in "irresponsible administration" regarding public safety [3]. He specifically highlighted recent safety disasters in Yongsan and Itaewon to argue that the government has failed to protect citizens [3].
Oh responded by shifting the focus toward the government's economic management. He positioned himself as a counter-voice to the administration, framing his platform around a "real-estate adjudication" stance [3]. Oh said the government's approach to housing and property has been flawed.
Addressing the accusations of blaming predecessors, Jeong said, "They are blaming the previous mayor and even the current government, which has not been in place for even a year. Is this truly an honest attitude?" [4]
This launch marks the beginning of a 13-day official campaign period [1]. The candidates are expected to intensify their rhetoric as they vie for control of the capital city, with the rain-soaked start serving as a backdrop for their competing visions of Seoul's future [2].
“Jeong said the current administration has engaged in "irresponsible administration" regarding public safety.”
The focus on Yongsan and Itaewon by the Democratic Party candidate suggests that public safety and government accountability will be central pillars of the opposition's strategy. Conversely, the People Power Party's emphasis on real-estate adjudication indicates an attempt to mobilize voters through economic grievances and housing policy failures, signaling a polarized campaign centered on administrative competence versus systemic reform.
