Journalist

Ko Hye-young
  • Two key candidates in tight race for Seoul mayor ahead of local elections, poll suggests
    Two key candidates in tight race for Seoul mayor ahead of local elections, poll suggests SEOUL, May 22 (AJP) - With just weeks to go before the June 3 local elections, Jung Won-oh of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and Oh Se-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), a former incumbent, appear to be in a neck-and-neck race for Seoul mayor, one of the biggest showdowns. In a poll of over 1,000 Seoul residents conducted by pollster Ace Research earlier this week, Jung had 41.7 percent support, compared with 41.6 percent for Oh. They were followed by distant rivals Kwon Young-guk of the minor Justice Party, who garnered 2.1 percent, and Reform Party candidate, Kim Jung-chul, who received 2.0 percent. About 5.8 percent of respondents said they support no candidate, while a similar proportion said they were undecided or refused to answer. Among respondents who said they would "definitely vote," Jung led with 49.8 percent, ahead of Oh's 42.4 percent. When asked who was most likely to win regardless of their own preference, 46.2 percent named Jung and 41.4 percent Oh. By area, Jung drew most of his support from voters in northeastern Seoul, which includes Dobong, Gwangjin, Jungnang and Seongdong, while Oh led in the affluent southern districts south of the Han River such as Gangnam, Seocho and Songpa. 2026-05-22 16:54:48
  • Song Eon-seok Calls for Public Support in Local Elections
    Song Eon-seok Calls for Public Support in Local Elections Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, launched a strong critique against the government and ruling party on the first day of the official campaign for the June 3 local elections. During a press conference at the National Assembly on May 21, Song stated, "This local election will determine whether we will check the arrogance and self-righteousness of the Lee administration and the Democratic Party or allow it to continue unchecked." He continued his criticism regarding the proposed special investigation law aimed at dismissing charges. "If the Democratic Party wins, they will argue that the public supports the dismissal of charges and will push forward with a special investigation to eliminate the president's alleged crimes. We must prevent this at all costs," he urged. Song escalated his rhetoric by addressing the potential for a "tax bomb" following the local elections. He warned, "The Democratic Party is already laying the groundwork for increased capital gains tax, the elimination of long-term holding exemptions, property tax hikes, and the introduction of a financial transaction tax. If they win, they will claim public support for these tax bomb policies and implement them fully." He added, "While our People Power Party has made mistakes, I urge you to consider whether the Democratic Party is truly doing well and what will happen if they win. A vote for the Democratic Party is a vote to give up your home and property. To stabilize real estate, prevent tax bombs, and ensure a functioning economy, please vote for the People Power Party." Following the press conference, Song is scheduled to travel to Busan for a joint launch ceremony for the 'People Power Party Busan Victory' campaign and to support Park Min-sik, the candidate for Busan's Buk-gu district. In response to a question about whether the visit was aimed at influencing the local election dynamics in Buk-gu, Choi Soo-jin, the spokesperson for the central election committee, stated, "Buk-gu is a crucial battleground, so we are going there." Choi also emphasized, "Today marks the start of our campaign, and we will provide active support from the central party. We are focusing not only on local government positions but also on by-elections, as increasing the number of National Assembly members is a key goal for us in this election."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:25:13
  • Jung Won-oh: Its Unwise for the Seoul Mayor to Engage in Political Conflicts
    Jung Won-oh: It's Unwise for the Seoul Mayor to Engage in Political Conflicts Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, stated that it is unwise for the mayor, as the head of local government, to be embroiled in political conflicts. Speaking at a discussion hosted by the Broadcasting Journalists Club in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, on May 19, Jung emphasized, "The place for the mayor to stand is not in the midst of political disputes but in the midst of people's livelihoods." He added, "If discussions are heading in a direction that is very different from citizens' opinions or does not align with judicial justice, then it is necessary to voice those opinions on behalf of the citizens." He noted that while discussions are currently stalled, he intends to actively represent citizens' views when they resume. When asked to evaluate the real estate policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration, Jung responded, "I believe we need to reach at least a turning point to make a judgment. It is difficult to assign scores at this time." Jung pointed out that since President Yoon Suk-yeol took office, the housing market has seen a sharp rise in prices due to the reversal of the land transaction permit system by Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party. He noted that while the Lee administration's policies, such as those implemented on June 27 and November 5, had somewhat stabilized housing prices, there has been a recent uptick in market activity. He stressed that the key issue is how consistently the Seoul mayor, the city government, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the national government send signals. "If we do not speak with one voice, the market could become unstable, leading to uncontrollable housing price increases," he warned. Regarding his pledge to provide property tax relief for single homeowners without income, Jung stated, "Since it is a relief on the increase, there should not be significant issues in securing funding," explaining that the burden would be shared between the districts and the city of Seoul. On the matter of reducing the long-term holding special deduction and increasing property taxes, he asserted, "It is clear that the current rights of single homeowners must be protected," emphasizing that actions should be taken from the perspective of citizens and within the bounds of common sense. In response to criticisms labeling his urban development plans as 'Park Won-soon’s Urban Regeneration Season 2,' Jung countered, "My approach to urban regeneration balances development and preservation, focusing on creative and citizen-led initiatives." He expressed opposition to superficial urban regeneration efforts that merely involve painting murals, arguing that areas needing new construction should be developed, while those suitable for remodeling should be remodeled. Additionally, Jung identified 'administrative direction and philosophy' as issues under Oh Se-hoon's administration. He stated, "The citizens should be the owners, and we must do what they want, but the current administration operates as if the mayor is the owner." He concluded by praising the swift designation of maintenance zones through rapid integrated planning and the small-scale housing maintenance project ideas through the 'Moa Town' initiative.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 15:46:26
  • Jung Won-oh Criticizes Oh Se-hoon for Safety Negligence as Democratic Party Launches Campaign
    Jung Won-oh Criticizes Oh Se-hoon for Safety Negligence as Democratic Party Launches Campaign Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, held his final public meeting before the official campaign kickoff. The meeting, held on the morning of May 19 in Jung-gu, Seoul, featured key figures including Seo Young-kyo, Park Joo-min, Jeon Hyun-hee, and Lee In-young, who launched a coordinated attack on Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party. During the meeting, Jung stated, "This election must serve as a judgment on Mayor Oh's incompetence and irresponsible administration," emphasizing that "citizen safety is the most important factor that cannot be compromised." He criticized the city administration for its "safety negligence," pointing to a series of incidents including the Yongsan and Itaewon disasters, flooding in Gangnam, basement accidents, sinkholes, and bus incidents along the Han River. "These are not isolated incidents; if they keep happening, it indicates a structural problem," he said. Jung highlighted that in the past five years, Seongdong-gu has experienced zero sinkholes, flooding, or major safety accidents, asserting, "I, Jung Won-oh, will prove my commitment to creating a safe Seoul through action, not just words." Seo Young-kyo raised concerns about the company awarded the Audit Garden contract, linking it to the Unification Church. She stated, "The company 'Ilshin Stone' was awarded the contract to install stone columns, and its founder is related to Moon Sun-myung, the late leader of the Unification Church," questioning the relationship between Oh and Ilshin Stone. She also noted that despite two bids—one from company A for 2.9 billion won and Ilshin Stone for 3.9 billion won—Ilshin Stone was ultimately selected as the contractor. Park Joo-min criticized the Audit Garden, calling it a symbol of Oh's disregard for citizens. He pointed out that Oh was not included in the guest list for the Audit Garden completion ceremony and that his impromptu speech turned the taxpayer-funded event into a campaign rally. Jeon Hyun-hee intensified the criticism regarding the missing rebar in the GTX-A line construction, calling it "incredibly shameless for a mayor." She warned that such safety oversights could lead to major disasters threatening citizens' lives and safety, adding, "Instead of apologizing, Oh has shifted responsibility to the construction company and the railway authority." Jeon further questioned why the city did not respond swiftly if it was aware of the missing rebar, urging Oh to stop making excuses and to take responsibility for the management failures, delayed responses, and allegations of cover-ups that jeopardize citizen safety.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 12:07:36
  • 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