AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Cho Hyeon-mi
  • Gyeonggi gubernatorial candidates set to face off in first TV debate
    Gyeonggi gubernatorial candidates set to face off in first TV debate SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Three major gubernatorial candidates for Gyeonggi Province are set to clash in a televised debate on Wednesday night, just two days before early voting begins, ahead of the June 3 local elections. According to the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission, Choo Mi-ae of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), Yang Hyang-ja of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), and Cho Eung-cheon of the minor Reform Party are scheduled to face off in a live debate co-hosted by terrestrial broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS at 11:00 p.m. With this first and only debate during the official campaign period, all three candidates are reportedly preparing intensively, as they see it as crucial for winning over undecided voters. It is known that they took the day off from campaigning to rehearse for the debate. Meanwhile, a survey of more than 800 voters in the province with the largest population, conducted in mid-May, found that nearly half or 47.9 percent chose Choo as the most suitable candidate, followed by Yang at 33.8 percent and Cho at 5.5 percent. 2026-05-27 14:44:32
  • Seoul Mayoral Candidates Clash Over Safety and Development Issues
    Seoul Mayoral Candidates Clash Over Safety and Development Issues As the June 3 local elections approach, the negative campaigning between Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul Mayor, and Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate, is intensifying. Jung has raised concerns about the missing rebar issue at the GTX-A line's Samsung Station, while Oh has pointed to allegations of corruption in the redevelopment of the Seongdong District's Hyeongdang-dong. During his campaign on May 23, Jung repeatedly highlighted the rebar issue at Samsung Station, calling it a demonstration of Oh's negligence regarding safety. Speaking at a rally in front of Yeonsinnae Station in Eunpyeong-gu, Jung stated, "Oh has neglected safety, leading to continuous accidents in Seoul." He referenced the missing rebar at Samsung Station, saying, "The major cause of the collapse of the Sampoong Department Store was also related to missing rebar. Yet, Oh has not visited the Samsung Station site to this day." Jung criticized Oh, saying, "He should reflect on whether major disasters occur during his terms as mayor. Let's turn Seoul, which is indifferent to safety, into a city that prioritizes safety through our votes." Oh countered by addressing the allegations surrounding the "Agi Ssi Gooddang" preferential treatment and the redevelopment issues in Hyeongdang 7 District. Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Hee-sook claimed that while Jung was the mayor of Seongdong, he pressured the redevelopment association to donate 4.8 billion won for the construction of the Gooddang, but later refused to accept the building after its completion. Oh added that the delay in the completion of the project due to insufficient childcare facilities has prevented residents from exercising their property rights. At a rally in Sinjeongnegeori Station in Yangcheon-gu, Oh said, "The 1,000 households in Hyeongdang 7 District, which moved in last June, cannot complete their property registrations due to the childcare facility issue. The Seongdong District Office initially demanded cash contributions but later required the construction of a childcare facility for donation, which raises doubts about Jung's administrative capabilities." Oh also criticized Jung's defense of the allegations, stating that Jung's claim that it was an issue from the previous mayor's term was unacceptable. After visiting the Seoul International Garden Expo in Seongdong-gu, Oh told reporters, "If you served as the head of the Seongdong District for 12 years, you should not evade responsibility. Explain why you did not resolve this issue before leaving office in March, as that reflects incompetence and irresponsibility." The two candidates also continued their back-and-forth regarding a potential joint debate. Jung rejected Oh's proposal for a safety discussion centered on the rebar issue at Samsung Station, stating, "It has been over a week since it was announced to the media, yet he suggests a debate without even visiting the site." He reiterated his refusal, questioning how safety issues could be debated. In response, Oh criticized Jung's stance, saying, "It is inappropriate to question whether a debate on safety can bring about safety. We should discuss methods to ensure safety. If Jung promises to participate in a safety debate, I will visit Samsung Station."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-24 02:40:52
  • Park Geun-hye Visits Traditional Market to Support Choo Kyung-ho Ahead of Local Elections
    Park Geun-hye Visits Traditional Market to Support Choo Kyung-ho Ahead of Local Elections Dubbed the "Queen of Elections," former President Park Geun-hye visited a traditional market in Daegu on May 23, just 11 days before the June 3 local elections, to rally support for Choo Kyung-ho, the People Power Party's candidate for mayor. Around 2 p.m., Park arrived at Chilseong Market in northern Daegu, dressed in a brown patterned top. She and Choo toured the bustling market for about 30 minutes, greeting vendors and shoppers alike. Merchants and citizens, out for weekend shopping, exchanged greetings and shook hands with Park. Many welcomed her with applause, shouting, "Park Geun-hye!" and "Park Geun-hye and Choo Kyung-ho, fighting!" After her visit, Park spoke to reporters, expressing gratitude for the warm reception. "I heard many people wanted to meet me, and I’m thankful for the warm welcome. I regret not visiting sooner," she said. She added, "The economy is struggling, and I wanted to offer some comfort. I believe Choo understands the difficult economic situation and will implement good policies," urging support for him. However, when asked if she planned to meet with Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party's candidate for mayor of Daegu, who had formally requested a meeting, she did not respond. After Park left, Choo took to the campaign vehicle, appealing for votes by promising to revive the Daegu economy, inspired by the legacies of Park Geun-hye and her father, former President Park Chung-hee. Choo stated, "I will carry on the vision that Park Geun-hye and Park Chung-hee dreamed of and work to create a better world. I will ensure that Daegu, the last bastion of South Korea, resists the Democratic Party's influence and wins decisively to revive the local economy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 21:33:29
  • High-Stakes Race in Busans North District: Candidates Mobilize Big Names
    High-Stakes Race in Busan's North District: Candidates Mobilize Big Names Candidates for the Busan North Gap National Assembly by-election are mobilizing influential figures to attract voters as the official campaign kicks off this weekend. According to political sources, Hah Jung-woo, the Democratic Party candidate, will hold a joint campaign event at 5 p.m. on May 23 with Jeon Jae-soo, the party's candidate for Busan mayor, near the Gupo Market in North Busan. The North Gap district is considered a stronghold for the Democratic Party, as Jeon, who previously held the seat, resigned to run for mayor. The two candidates aim to consolidate their support base during this joint appearance. Park Min-sik, the People Power Party candidate, is focusing on uniting conservative voters by meeting with Na Kyung-won, a well-known five-term lawmaker. Na serves as the chair of Park's election campaign committee. The two are scheduled to hold a concentrated campaign event at 7 p.m. in the area around Deokcheon Station. Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon, who is closely trailing Hah, is targeting moderate conservatives by enlisting the support of Kim Hyun-chul, the son of the late former President Kim Young-sam and the chairman of the Kim Young-sam Foundation. Kim will officially announce his support for Han at a campaign office in Deokcheon-dong this afternoon, stating, "For the future of conservatism, Han's election is both the right path and the natural order." He emphasized Han's connection to his father, who served seven terms in the National Assembly, urging voters to rally behind Han, who he described as a candidate who embodies the spirit of YS (Young-sam).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 21:27:00
  • Tight Race for Seoul Mayor: Candidates Go All Out in Weekend Campaigns
    Tight Race for Seoul Mayor: Candidates Go All Out in Weekend Campaigns The race for Seoul Mayor has tightened to a mere 0.1 percentage points between Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party. On May 23, the candidates are actively campaigning across the city as the first weekend of official election activities unfolds. Jung began his day at 9:30 a.m. in Dobong District, promising infrastructure improvements and better living conditions to garner support. He will also meet with citizens around Yeonsinnae Station in Eunpyeong District later in the day. In observance of the 17th anniversary of the late President Roh Moo-hyun's passing, Jung plans to attend a memorial service at the Roh Moo-hyun Citizen Center in Jongno District and will watch a live stream of the ceremony in Bongha Village. Following this, he will move to Seodaemun District for street campaigning near Hongje Station and meet residents in Hyunhyeon-dong to promise swift progress on local redevelopment projects. He will conclude his day with a focused campaign in Hongdae, Mapo District, engaging with citizens celebrating Buddha's Birthday. Oh kicked off his weekend campaign with a running event. At 7 a.m., he delivered a public message at the Yeouinaru Station runner's station, then ran approximately 3 kilometers along the popular 'Sweet Potato Run' route to connect with voters. He will then head to the southwestern region, where housing innovation and development issues are prominent. His schedule includes campaigning at Sinjeongnegeori Station in Yangcheon District, touring the Sinyeong Market, walking with citizens at the Seoul Botanical Garden, and conducting focused campaigning at Gakchisann Market and Balsan Station Plaza. He will also visit Byeollitnamun Market in Geumcheon District and Samseong Market in Gwanak District to meet shoppers during the holiday. After his southwestern campaign, Oh will revisit the Seoul International Garden Expo site in Seongdong District. He will wrap up his campaign at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal in Seocho District and make appearances at Seokchon Lake in Songpa District. The Seoul mayoral election is highly competitive, with the latest polls showing a narrow margin of just 0.1 percentage points. According to a survey conducted by Ace Research from May 19 to 20, which sampled 1,002 adults aged 18 and older living in Seoul, Jung received 41.7% support while Oh garnered 41.6%. The survey utilized a 100% automated response system with virtual numbers provided by three mobile carriers. The response rate was 5.5%, and the margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, visit the Central Election Survey Deliberation Commission's website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 20:57:43
  • Park Geun-hye Supports Choo Kyung-ho in Daegu Market Visit
    Park Geun-hye Supports Choo Kyung-ho in Daegu Market Visit Former President Park Geun-hye, often referred to as the "queen of elections," visited the traditional Chilseong Market in Daegu on May 23 to rally support for Choo Kyung-ho, the People Power Party candidate for mayor. According to Choo's campaign committee, Park and Choo toured the market together at 2 p.m., where Park engaged with local merchants and shoppers, urging them to support Choo. Earlier, on May 4, Choo visited Park's residence in Daegu's Dalseong County for a 40-minute conversation. During that meeting, Park encouraged Choo, saying, "Work hard in this election and make sure to win. Our citizens will make a wise decision," as reported by Choo. Meanwhile, Choo is in a tight race with Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party candidate. A recent poll conducted by KBS Daegu and commissioned by Korea Research from May 16 to 20 showed Kim with 40% support and Choo with 39% among 800 Daegu voters. The poll utilized a telephone interview method with virtual numbers, achieving a response rate of 19.2%. The margin of error is ±3.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 20:49:27
  • Oh Se-hoon Claims Lee Jae-myung is Using Government Power for Election
    Oh Se-hoon Claims Lee Jae-myung is Using Government Power for Election Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, claimed on May 21 that President Lee Jae-myung has initiated a government-backed election campaign to support Jung Won-oh, urging voters to protect Seoul. During his official campaign launch at Cheonggye Plaza that evening, Oh stated, "As Jung's approval ratings fluctuated, they fabricated a 'rebar rumor,' and now even the president has stepped in." His comments were directed at President Lee's instruction to relevant ministries to conduct safety inspections and investigations regarding the missing rebar in the construction section of the GTX-A line at Samsung Station. Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, has been attacking Oh, blaming him for the incident. Oh remarked, "Seeing Jung, who was chosen by the president, struggling, it seems there’s an after-service from the president. I ask the citizens of Seoul to help keep the president's spirit alive." Oh also criticized Jung for refusing to participate in debates, saying, "This election is truly difficult. Meeting for a debate feels harder than 'picking stars from the sky.'" He emphasized that all citizens of Seoul are suffering due to the real estate failures of the Lee Jae-myung administration and urged, "Please help us protect Seoul." Earlier that morning, Yoo Seung-min, a former lawmaker who accompanied Oh on his first campaign schedule, also took the stage at the launch event to request support. Yoo stated, "Jung is a subordinate of President Lee, and he will never oppose the president even if he goes down the wrong path." He added, "The president will tighten loans, impose taxes, and refrain from redevelopment and reconstruction, yet Jung will remain silent." Yoo praised Oh for his ample experience and capabilities, urging supporters to increase his approval ratings by 1% each day until the night of June 2. Meanwhile, Oh began his campaign at the Garak-dong Agricultural and Fishery Wholesale Market in Songpa District at midnight and concluded his first day of campaigning by meeting citizens at Gangnam Station after the launch event.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 22:43:13
  • Seoul Mayoral Candidates Launch Campaigns Ahead of June 3 Election
    Seoul Mayoral Candidates Launch Campaigns Ahead of June 3 Election 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. 2026-05-21 17:27:42
  • Jung Won-oh Launches Campaign for Seoul Mayor in Wangsimni
    Jung Won-oh Launches Campaign for Seoul Mayor in Wangsimni Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul Mayor, called on voters on May 21 to support his vision of revitalizing the city’s economy, similar to the progress seen in Seongdong-gu. At his campaign launch held in Wangsimni, his political hometown, Jung stated, "We need to change the capabilities of local government in this election." He praised President Lee Jae-myung for delaying a total strike at Samsung Electronics and for the first passage of a Korean ship through the Strait of Hormuz, attributing these achievements to effective leadership. He highlighted the KOSPI index surpassing 7,500 points, asserting, "Isn’t this a demonstration of capability? Now we just need to change Seoul." Jung took aim at Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party and a four-term mayor, criticizing him for issues related to housing, transportation, and safety in the city, as well as a slowdown in the region's gross regional domestic product (GRDP). He urged Oh to stop blaming previous administrations and the current government, demanding an apology for the situation. He also criticized the omission of rebar in the pillars of the GTX-A line at Samsung Station, stating, "During Oh's tenure, there have been countless major safety incidents. Citizens are suffering due to a lack of safety awareness." Jung emphasized that during his time as Seongdong-gu mayor, there were zero safety incidents and that he successfully revitalized the local economy. He urged voters to support his vision for a Seoul similar to Seongdong-gu, stating, "If you want a Seoul like Seongdong, please vote for change." He promised to replace ineffective administrative projects like the Han River Bus and the Seoul Ring with citizen-focused initiatives such as smart rest areas and improved crosswalks. The campaign launch also saw the attendance of Democratic Party lawmakers including Lee In-young, Seo Young-kyo, Jeon Hyun-hee, Jin Sung-joon, Lee Hae-sik, Park Sung-jun, and Ko Min-jeong, all urging Seoul citizens to support Jung's candidacy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 14:48:00
  • Seoul Mayoral Candidates Clash Over GTX Construction Plans
    Seoul Mayoral Candidates Clash Over GTX Construction Plans Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, announced on May 21 that he would halt construction of the GTX-A express railway if elected. His opponent, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, criticized this stance, claiming it disregards the desires of citizens who want the project completed and would hinder the city's development. During an appearance on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," Jung expressed concerns about the missing rebar in the GTX-A line at Samsung Station, stating, "If I become mayor, I will stop the construction for now. If it’s not safe, isn’t it just a house of cards?" He emphasized the importance of a solid foundation, noting that the underground level five, where cracks have appeared, is crucial. "If that part is flawed, no matter how well the upper structure is built, it will lead to significant problems, and fixing it would require tearing everything down and starting over," he reiterated his commitment to halting the project. In response to Jung's comments, Oh accused him of acting against the city's progress. On Facebook, Oh remarked, "He is just like former Mayor Park Won-soon, predicting a stagnant Seoul and a dark decade of lost opportunities." Oh further criticized Jung for ignoring the urgent wishes of citizens in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area who are enduring inconveniences due to ongoing construction. He pointed out that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, under the Lee Jae-myung administration, conducted a trial operation of the GTX-A line for 17 days despite being aware of the rebar issue, asserting that there are no safety concerns. "We cannot entrust Seoul to Mr. Halt King," he concluded.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:22:27