Seoul mayoral candidates Jeong Won-oh (D) and Oh Se-hoon (PPP) visited the Seosomun overpass collapse site to support affected citizens [1].
The joint visit highlights the critical role of public safety in the current mayoral race, as both candidates seek to reassure voters following the infrastructure failure.
Both candidates halted their scheduled campaign activities to prioritize rescue and recovery efforts at the scene [1]. The move was intended to demonstrate solidarity with victims and ensure that immediate emergency responses remained the primary focus of the city's administration [1].
Jeong Won-oh emphasized the necessity of a leader who prioritizes the security of the public. "The mayor must be someone who supports the citizens' daily lives to be safe, convenient, and reliable," Jeong said [1].
Oh Se-hoon used the visit to outline specific infrastructure goals for the city. He pledged to create 83 stations across seven lines in 170 districts [1].
The candidates focused on a measured approach to their presence at the site, avoiding aggressive campaigning in favor of a more subdued tone during the disaster response [1]. This shift in strategy reflects the sensitivity of the situation and the potential for political backlash if the tragedy were perceived as a campaign opportunity [1].
Despite their differing party affiliations, both men agreed on the urgency of addressing Seoul's aging infrastructure to prevent future collapses [1]. The visit concluded with pledges to integrate comprehensive safety audits into their respective policy platforms [1].
“The mayor must be someone who supports the citizens' daily lives to be safe, convenient, and reliable.”
The simultaneous visit by opposing candidates suggests that infrastructure stability has become a primary electoral vulnerability. By pausing active campaigning, both Jeong and Oh are attempting to mitigate the risk of appearing opportunistic while competing to define who can better manage the city's urban safety and transit expansion.
