Journalist

HYE YOUNG KO
  • Oh Se-hoon Calls for Supply-Centric Real Estate Policy Amid Criticism
    Oh Se-hoon Calls for Supply-Centric Real Estate Policy Amid Criticism Oh Se-hoon, the candidate for mayor of Seoul from the People Power Party, criticized the real estate policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration, emphasizing the need for a supply-centered approach. He dismissed allegations regarding construction errors in the GTX (Great Train Express) A line as politically motivated attacks. Speaking at a seminar on the evaluation of the Lee Jae-myung government's real estate policy and future tasks, held at the National Assembly, Oh stated, "The solution to real estate policy is not complicated. First, supply; second, supply; the key is simply to increase supply." He added that only sustainable and rapid supply, rather than excessive regulations that stifle the market, can provide a solution. Oh criticized the current state of the real estate market, describing it as "very dire." He pointed out that excessive lending regulations have dismantled the housing mobility ladder for citizens and that recent proposals to alter long-term holding tax exemptions have further confused the market. He noted that spontaneous market intervention comments from President Lee on social media have led to increased uncertainty and anxiety among the public. He also highlighted Seoul's commitment to a supply-centered policy, asserting, "While the government has shaken the market with regulations, Seoul has consistently pursued supply policies. I, Oh Se-hoon, will ensure housing stability for Seoul citizens through planning and execution." Regarding the GTX allegations, Oh referred to them as a "farce," suggesting that the Democratic Party is feeling threatened by fluctuating support for their candidate. He criticized the campaign atmosphere of Democratic candidate Jeong Won-o, indicating a willingness to use the rebar incident as a campaign issue. He remarked, "As revealed in the morning committee meeting, this is truly absurd. The situation was handled according to manuals and principles, but it turned into a farce as they tried to force it into a cover-up allegation." Oh intensified his criticism of the Democratic Party, stating, "They cannot erase the suspicions surrounding this critical election. We are currently discussing safety measures after discovering construction errors during the project. Their efforts to manipulate the election in their favor are truly petty and unbecoming of the ruling party." Meanwhile, Jeong continues to press the issue of construction errors, including missing rebar, on the GTX-A line. The Democratic Party claimed during a meeting of the Administrative Safety Committee that the Seoul city government failed to report these issues to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport immediately, attributing responsibility to Oh.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 17:57:44
  • Jung Won-oh Vows to Uphold May 18 Spirit Amid Criticism from Oh Se-hoon Camp
    Jung Won-oh Vows to Uphold May 18 Spirit Amid Criticism from Oh Se-hoon Camp On the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement, Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, emphasized the need to restore democracy and constitutional order. Meanwhile, the camp of Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, continued its attacks on Jung regarding a past assault incident. On May 18, Jung posted on Facebook, stating, "We have recently experienced another precarious time when democracy is shaken. The nights of martial law and insurrection are not merely a thing of the past. If we remember the history of May, we must completely overcome those dark times." He criticized those who speak of the May 18 spirit while opposing constitutional amendments that sought to incorporate that spirit into the constitution, saying, "Politics that embraces forces denying constitutional order and democracy cannot protect the future of South Korea." Jung pledged, "I will carry on the spirit of May in today’s democracy and in the lives of citizens. I will respond with governance that protects citizens' lives, not politics for power, and with administration of solidarity and responsibility, not privilege and exclusion." In response, Oh Se-hoon’s camp intensified its criticism of Jung regarding May 18. Shin Joo-ho, a youth spokesperson for Oh's campaign, stated on Facebook, "Jung is not qualified to invoke the May 18 spirit," referencing Jung's past controversies surrounding May 18 and a drunken assault incident. Shin also directed his remarks at the Democratic Party, asserting, "The May 18 spirit is the spiritual and political root of the Democratic Party. The party should be the first to demand the truth from Jung. Shouldn't they immediately discipline someone like Jung, who is suspected of trivializing and misusing May 18?" He further criticized, "Jung's attendance at the May 18 commemoration itself is an insult to the May 18 spirit," adding, "Jung and the Democratic Party will not escape the fierce judgment of public sentiment on June 3." Meanwhile, both candidates attended the 46th anniversary commemoration of May 18 at Seoul City Hall on the morning of May 18 as invited guests.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 13:36:35
  • Democratic Party at 45.8% and People Power Party at 33.5%: Gap Narrows
    Democratic Party at 45.8% and People Power Party at 33.5%: Gap Narrows A recent poll indicates that the support gap between the Democratic Party and the People Power Party has narrowed. The Democratic Party's support dropped by 2.9 percentage points, while the People Power Party saw an increase of 2.6 percentage points. This shift suggests that some supporters of the Democratic Party may have shifted to the People Power Party. According to a survey conducted by Realmeter on behalf of Energy Economy Newspaper from May 14 to 15, involving 1,003 eligible voters aged 18 and older (with a response rate of 3.7%), the Democratic Party received 45.8% support, while the People Power Party garnered 33.5%. The gap between the two parties decreased from 17.8 percentage points last week to 12.3 percentage points, a reduction of 5.5 percentage points. Regionally, the Democratic Party experienced the largest decline in support in Gwangju and Jeolla, falling 14.3 percentage points to 57.2%. In Seoul, support dropped by 5.2 percentage points to 39.8%, and in Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong, it fell by 5.0 percentage points to 48.2%. Conversely, in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, support rose by 6.9 percentage points to 37.3%. The People Power Party recorded a 7.4 percentage point increase in Gwangju and Jeolla, surpassing the 20% mark with 20.7%. In Seoul, support rose by 5.1 percentage points to 37.9%, and in Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong, it increased by 3.9 percentage points to 35.3%. However, in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, support decreased by 1.2 percentage points to 48.5%. By age group, the Democratic Party had its highest support among those in their 50s at 59.9%. This was followed by 51.3% among those in their 60s, 45.3% among those in their 40s, 42.1% among those aged 70 and older, 37.9% among those in their 30s, and 21.0% among those aged 18 to 29. Notably, support among the 18 to 29 age group fell by 10.4 percentage points, marking the largest decline. The People Power Party showed strength among those aged 70 and older and those aged 18 to 29, with support at 45.8% and 44.6%, respectively. Support among those in their 30s was 35.2%, 30.7% among those in their 60s, 25.9% among those in their 40s, and 22.9% among those in their 50s. Compared to the previous week, support among those in their 30s rose by 9.8 percentage points, and by 7.3 percentage points among those in their 40s. In terms of ideological orientation, the Democratic Party received 79.2% support from the progressive group, 47.0% from the moderate group, and 18.8% from the conservative group. The People Power Party garnered 63.1% support from conservatives, 28.9% from moderates, and 8.0% from progressives. Realmeter attributed the decline in support for the Democratic Party to comments regarding national dividends that sparked ideological controversy, leading to a loss of support among conservatives and moderates. Additionally, issues surrounding candidate nominations in the Gwangju and Jeolla regions and internal party divisions have exacerbated the loss of support. Conversely, the People Power Party's rise in support is attributed to the resolution of conflicts over local election nominations and the launch of its central campaign committee, which has strengthened its appeal among conservative voters. This party support survey was conducted using a 100% automated response method. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, please refer to the Central Election Survey Deliberation Committee's website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 13:11:59
  • Kim Sang-wook: Ulsan Mayoral Race Expected to Be a Three-Way Contest
    Kim Sang-wook: Ulsan Mayoral Race Expected to Be a Three-Way Contest Kim Sang-wook, the Democratic Party's candidate for Ulsan mayor, stated on May 18 that candidates from the pro-democracy camp share a common purpose and emphasized that the issue of unification is not about personal ambition. During an appearance on KBS Radio's current affairs program, Kim responded to questions about the unification process, saying, "We must not allow the remnants of the December 3 coup to extend the rule of the People Power Party's local government." He added, "Setting aside personal interests for a moment, the discussions aimed at unifying our efforts have been the driving force behind this process. We will continue to work towards unification with this strength." A public opinion poll regarding unification between Kim and Kim Jong-hoon, the Progressive Party's candidate, will be conducted over two days from May 23 to 24. Kim noted, "The polls for local leaders have already begun, and we have agreed on a specific schedule that prioritizes the mayoral race, followed by the provincial council elections. We expect to present the results of the mayoral candidate unification to the public around May 25 or 26." Earlier, on May 14, Kim announced a unification agreement with candidate Hwang Myung-pil. He stated, "I suggested that Hwang Myung-pil of the Justice Reform Party and Kim Jong-hoon of the Progressive Party join forces for campaign activities, and they agreed. We will present our policies, direction, and commitments to the citizens, demonstrating our unity." Regarding the possibility of unification between Kim Du-gyeom of the People Power Party and independent candidate Park Maeng-woo, Kim assessed that it is fundamentally difficult. He explained, "Park is running for the sake of addressing issues with the current administration and normalizing the People Power Party, rather than for personal gain. A poorly executed unification would undermine his justification for running." He further stated, "A mid-campaign unification would lack legitimacy," predicting that the Ulsan mayoral election will likely be a three-way contest. Kim acknowledged that there are many variables in competing against these candidates, noting, "Ulsan is a place where the vested interests of the People Power Party operate strongly, so the last-minute mobilization of their supporters is significant. Local newspapers and other regional influences also create many variables."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:43:40
  • Tensions Rise Over Seoul Mayoral Debate as Candidates Clash
    Tensions Rise Over Seoul Mayoral Debate as Candidates Clash Tensions are escalating between Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, and Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate, over a proposed debate. Oh stated on May 15 in Gangdong-gu, "I suggested a debate to discuss how to address citizens' inconveniences, but I received no response from Jung. He is refusing all debates and only willing to engage in press conference-style discussions." He criticized Jung as an "irresponsible candidate who does not consider the public's right to know." Following a meeting with former President Lee Myung-bak, Oh reiterated his stance, saying, "It is contradictory for Jung to advocate for a policy election while avoiding debates." He expressed agreement with Jung's call for a policy-focused campaign but emphasized that debates are essential for such discussions. In response, Jung urged Oh to reflect on his own statements, asserting that he will only participate in legally mandated debates as defined by election law, which requires at least one debate. Jung also pointed out that Oh's shifting positions are more concerning than the debates themselves. After a press conference at the National Assembly, he remarked, "A month ago, Oh claimed that 'TV debates are not everything' and refused to debate his opponents in the primary. Framing the situation differently now is not trustworthy." Meanwhile, Oh continues to propose additional debates. The day before, at a forum hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he stated, "I would be willing to participate in a debate moderated by Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae on Kim Eo-jun's program. I hope at least one or two debates can be held, regardless of the time, place, or topic."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 23:52:04
  • Oh Se-hoon Criticizes Jung Won-os Property Tax Relief Proposal for Homeowners
    Oh Se-hoon Criticizes Jung Won-o's Property Tax Relief Proposal for Homeowners Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, criticized Jung Won-o's proposal to reduce property taxes for homeowners, calling it "disappointing and merely a stopgap measure." Oh made his remarks on the afternoon of May 15 during a visit to a site in Gangdong District, where he held a meeting with the "Citizens' Countermeasures Committee for Real Estate Hell." He stated, "As property values rise across Seoul, property taxes will inevitably increase. Proposing to reduce taxes for a select few while creating an environment that raises property taxes is akin to breaking someone's limbs and then offering a band-aid as a solution." Oh further pointed out that Jung's proposal is limited to homeowners without income and includes age restrictions, calling it "extremely disappointing and merely a stopgap measure." Earlier, on May 13, Jung announced his plan to implement property tax relief for homeowners without income. Following a press conference at the National Assembly that morning, Jung told reporters, "There have been many calls for measures as property taxes for homeowners are expected to rise significantly across Seoul. If I am elected mayor, I will ensure that these measures are implemented before September." He clarified that property taxes can be temporarily reduced through ordinances under the Local Tax Special Provisions Act. Regarding price limits for high-value homes, Jung mentioned, "There will be a cap, but the specifics will be discussed immediately after the election among the newly elected district mayors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 23:07:54
  • Oh Se-hoon Visits Cheonggyecheon with Lee Myung-bak on Teachers Day
    Oh Se-hoon Visits Cheonggyecheon with Lee Myung-bak on Teacher's Day Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, expressed his happiness on May 15 while walking along Cheonggyecheon with former President Lee Myung-bak, whom he referred to as his "mentor in my heart." The two walked along Cheonggyecheon from Cheonggye Plaza to Gwangtonggyo Bridge, sharing their thoughts during the stroll. While walking, Lee stated, "This is no longer just our Seoul; it is a Seoul for the world," emphasizing the need to create works that reflect this global identity. Oh responded, "You have built this hardware very well, and I will ensure that the software enhances its visibility." After their meeting, Oh spoke to reporters, recalling that he had celebrated the 20th anniversary of Cheonggyecheon’s completion at the same location with Lee last autumn. He noted that there had been much praise for Lee's contributions in adding rich cultural content to the infrastructure, helping to elevate Seoul to a world-class city. Oh added that Lee is pleased that Cheonggyecheon has become a beloved space for Seoul citizens. He quoted Lee as saying that the transformation of urban space and design initiated by Cheonggyecheon should continue, aiming to create a space that is admired by foreigners and meets global standards. Oh concluded by stating, "I will keep those words in mind and aim to upgrade Cheonggyecheon into a space where the quality of life for Seoul citizens is felt and can be benchmarked by foreigners." He remarked that the insights gained from the Cheonggyecheon project have been pivotal in the transformative changes seen in Seoul, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to walk with his mentor, Lee Myung-bak, along Cheonggyecheon.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 22:12:00
  • Jung Won-oh Promises Additional 2.5 Trillion Won in Local Love Gift Certificates
    Jung Won-oh Promises Additional 2.5 Trillion Won in Local Love Gift Certificates Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, has pledged to issue an additional 2.5 trillion won in local love gift certificates. He also intensified his criticism of Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party, regarding his debate stance and the 'Garden of Gratitude'. At a press conference held on the morning of May 15 at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Jung stated, "Local love gift certificates are the most effective livelihood policy to alleviate citizens' living costs and boost sales in local businesses." Jung criticized the reduction in support during the administration of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and under Oh Se-hoon's tenure as mayor. He noted, "The Yoon administration has cut national funding for local love gift certificates and plans to halt it in 2024," adding that "Mayor Oh has only provided matching support for special issues like delivery and online sales since last year." He plans to expand the purchase and holding limits for local love gift certificates and increase the discount rate to 10%, the same as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for this initiative is expected to come from a supplementary budget. Jung explained, "I will discuss this with newly elected city council members and during the transition period after taking office," adding that discussions with candidates for district mayor positions are already underway. Regarding recent polling showing a close race with Oh, Jung remarked, "The Seoul election is a tight contest." He stated, "Regardless of my approval ratings, the Seoul election is competitive, with some areas showing significant differences and others being very close." He criticized Oh's recent proposal for additional joint debates, saying, "It is more problematic that Oh changes his stance based on the situation rather than the debates themselves." Jung pointed out, "A month ago, Oh said, 'TV debates are not everything' and refused to debate his opponents in the primary. It is unreliable to frame it differently now that circumstances have changed. I hope he reflects on his own statements." Additionally, regarding the controversy surrounding the Garden of Gratitude, Jung indicated that he is considering relocating the sculpture. He stated, "The intention to express gratitude to the 22 UN participating countries is appropriate," but added, "The current location lacks contextual significance. I will consult with citizens about relocating it to the War Memorial in Yongsan."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 12:01:06
  • Kang Jun-hyun to Announce Candidate Unification with Progressive Party for Ulsan Mayor
    Kang Jun-hyun to Announce Candidate Unification with Progressive Party for Ulsan Mayor The Democratic Party is set to announce a candidate unification with the Progressive Party for the Ulsan mayoral race ahead of the June 3 local elections. Kang Jun-hyun, the party's spokesperson, held a press conference on the morning of May 15 in Yeouido, Seoul, addressing local election issues. He stated that the unification involves "the Ulsan mayor, local council heads, and provincial council members," adding that "the secretaries of both parties are scheduled to meet today for final adjustments." Regarding unification in other regions, he noted, "I understand that each candidate is handling the unification process on their own," and emphasized that to avoid confusion, it would be ideal to finalize unifications by today, before the ballots are printed. When asked if the unification discussions include the Pyeongtaek district, where Justice Party candidate Cho Kuk is running, Kang responded, "Does Representative Cho have the will for unification?" Additionally, Kang criticized the People Power Party's attacks on Democratic Party candidate Jeong Won-o for the Seoul mayoral race, calling them very malicious. He stated, "The People Power Party is leading with crude expressions and unreasonable incitement across various sectors," and pointed out their intention to exploit weak evidence to sensationalize discussions about the May 18 incident for electoral gain. He further questioned, "What kind of mayor was Oh Se-hoon? He spent 20.7 billion won of taxpayer money to create an awkward structure resembling a ceremonial sword in Gwanghwamun Square. Is this the normal image of a Seoul mayor? Who exactly is the People Power Party running this election for?" Regarding the Election Commission's referral of Democratic Party candidate Yoo Chan-jong for Jongno District to prosecutors, Kang stated, "The investigation is a separate issue," and clarified, "Based on the party's internal investigation, it seems there are no grounds for disqualifying the candidate. If the party does not reach a conclusion, the candidate's eligibility remains intact."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:28:26
  • Jung Won-o Leads with 44.9% Support, Oh Se-hoon Follows at 39.8%
    Jung Won-o Leads with 44.9% Support, Oh Se-hoon Follows at 39.8% As the June 3 local elections approach, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is rapidly closing the gap with Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party candidate. A poll conducted by the Korea Social Opinion Institute (KSOI) for CBS from May 12 to 13 among 1,002 residents of Seoul aged 18 and older showed Jung's support at 44.9% and Oh's at 39.8%. The current gap of 5.1 percentage points is a significant narrowing compared to the previous poll conducted on April 22-23, which showed Jung at 45.6% and Oh at 35.4%, reflecting a 10.2-point difference. Notably, there has been a shift among centrist voters. Jung's support dropped by 0.5 percentage points to 48.4%, while Oh's increased by 5.3 points to 38.3%. Among progressive voters, 87.8% support Jung, while 70.4% of conservative voters back Oh. The percentage of respondents indicating they would choose a ruling party candidate has decreased to 44.0%, down 2.6 points from the previous survey. Conversely, the proportion of those favoring an opposition candidate rose by 5.2 points to 42.4%. Those unsure accounted for 13.7%. This trend suggests that as the election date approaches, support is consolidating among both progressive and conservative bases, with some centrist voters shifting toward Oh. Additionally, 89.1% of respondents expressed a strong intention to vote. In terms of party support, the Democratic Party stands at 38.9%, the People Power Party at 32.9%, the Reform Party at 4.4%, the Justice Party at 2.5%, and the Progressive Party at 2.1%. The poll was conducted using a wireless ARS automated response method with virtual mobile numbers provided by telecommunications companies. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 5.3%. For more details, please refer to the Central Election Polling Review Committee's website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 09:32:15