Journalist
Ko Hye-young
kohy0321@ajunews.com
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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, 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 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% 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 -
Controversy Over Villa Supply in Seongdong District Amid Low Proportion Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, has raised concerns about villa supply as part of his real estate policy. However, statistics reveal that the proportion of villas in Seongdong District, where he served as district chief for 12 years, is among the lowest in Seoul. In contrast, the proportion of apartments in Seongdong District exceeds the city average significantly. According to analysis from the National Statistical Office obtained by Aju Economy, as of 2024, the proportion of multi-family and villa units in Seongdong District stands at 9.9%, the second lowest after Nowon District at 8.8%. This figure is less than half of the Seoul average of 21.4%. Other districts with low villa proportions include Yeongdeungpo (10.0%), Dongdaemun (12.4%), and Gangnam (14.3%). Conversely, the proportion of apartments in Seongdong District is 54.0%, significantly higher than the Seoul average of 44.4%. Only seven of the 25 districts in Seoul have apartment proportions exceeding 50%. Nowon District leads with 78.4%, followed by Gangnam (62.2%), Seocho (58.1%), and then Seongdong. Other districts with high apartment proportions include Gangdong (50.3%) and Songpa (50.1%). In response, a representative from Oh Se-hoon’s camp criticized Jung, stating, "The 9.9% villa proportion in Seongdong District indicates a lack of available land for new villas or that existing low-rise residential areas have already been redeveloped into apartments. Jung is completely unaware of the realities in Seongdong District when discussing villa supply." The representative also pointed out that the surge in housing prices in Seongdong District is linked to the low villa proportion and high apartment ratio. Previously, Jung had identified villa supply as a key component of his real estate strategy. During a meeting with Seoul's district mayor candidates on May 4, he challenged Oh, asking, "Why didn’t you prepare for the soaring rents during your five years in office?" He noted that issues related to apartment redevelopment and reconstruction take 10 to 15 years, which he partially agreed was not solely his responsibility. Jung added, "The rental issue can be addressed within 2 to 3 years through supply via villas, officetels, and residential-type lodging facilities." Meanwhile, Oh also responded to Jung's comments on villa supply. On the previous day, he appeared on BBS Buddhist Broadcasting's "Kim Tae-seop’s Morning Journal" and remarked, "If Jung becomes mayor for four years, he will focus on villas since apartments take a long time to develop. However, villas are constructed by the private sector, not the city."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 17:54:39 -
Jang Dong-hyuk Calls Opposition's Special Prosecutor Proposal Unconstitutional Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized the opposition's proposed "manipulated prosecution special prosecutor" as "unconstitutional and illegal." Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club in central Seoul on May 8, Jang stated, "The special prosecutor appointed by President Lee Jae-myung would have the authority to dismiss charges against the president, ultimately aiming to eliminate the trial of the president altogether." He added, "This directly contradicts the fundamental principle of the rule of law that states 'no one can be a judge in their own case' and the constitutional spirit that 'all citizens are equal before the law.' Such a special prosecutor is unimaginable in a country that adopts liberal democracy and the rule of law." Jang also expressed concerns regarding the foreign and security policies of the Lee Jae-myung government. He remarked, "I have significant concerns about the foreign and security policies of the Lee administration," noting that the current policies differ considerably from those of past progressive governments. He pointed out that President Lee referred to U.S. Forces Korea as a "foreign military" and is hastily pushing for the transfer of wartime operational control. "Many South Koreans are worried that this policy direction is aimed at the withdrawal of U.S. Forces Korea," he said. Jang urged a shift in the government's foreign and security policy. He emphasized, "The People Power Party firmly believes in strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance and adopting 'peace through strength' as the cornerstone of our foreign and security policy. I hope the government will change its policy direction now to prioritize national interests and the well-being of the people."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 16:09:05 -
Seoul Mayoral Candidates Clash Over Opening of 'Garden of Gratitude' The opening of the 'Garden of Gratitude' scheduled for May 12 has sparked a heated exchange between Seoul mayoral candidates Oh Se-hoon and Jung Won-o. According to a report by Aju Economy on May 8, Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party, plans to attend the opening ceremony for the Garden of Gratitude. Meanwhile, Jung Won-o's camp from the Democratic Party is calling for the ceremony to be halted through a series of one-person protests by its members. Following protests by lawmakers Go Min-jeong and Yoon Geon-young the previous day, lawmaker Chae Hyun-il joined the protest on May 8. Lawmakers Lee Hae-sik and Kim Nam-geun are scheduled to protest on May 9 and 10, respectively, while Park Min-kyu and Lee Joo-hee will continue the protests on May 11, the day before the opening. On May 7, Jung Won-o's campaign group, the 'Oh Se-hoon 10-Year Judgment Headquarters,' held a press conference at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, stating, "This is a rushed administration entangled with allegations of favoritism, waste of taxpayer money, and disregard for procedures. An audit should take precedence over the opening." Jung's camp argues that the Garden of Gratitude is a hastily conceived project that shifted direction after plans for a flagpole installation were scrapped. They claim that necessary procedures, such as the local financial investment review and the required economic feasibility analysis, were not completed during the project's advancement. Oh Se-hoon plans to respond during the opening ceremony. A spokesperson for his campaign stated, "As the election approaches, they are maliciously trying to find faults. The issues regarding the procedures for the Garden of Gratitude can be resolved with improvements." On the same day, after announcing care pledges at the Eunpyeong Center of the Seoul Digital Companion Plaza, Oh remarked to reporters, "The Garden of Gratitude is nearly complete. The Seoul city government has repeatedly stated that Gwanghwamun Square is a national symbolic space. It is essential to install symbolic sculptures in such a space."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 15:56:43 -
Han Dong-hoon Requests Supporters to Send Their Hearts Instead of Attending Campaign Opening Han Dong-hoon, a former leader of the People Power Party, stated that regarding the opening of his campaign office in Busan on May 10, he has asked lawmakers who expressed their intention to attend to "send their hearts from afar this time." Running as an independent candidate for the Busan North Gap seat in the June 3 local elections, Han made these comments during an appearance on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" on the morning of May 8. When asked if it would be awkward since the People Power Party's Park Min-sik is also holding an opening ceremony on the same day, he replied, "I want to make it a festive occasion for local residents rather than a display of central political power struggles unrelated to the region." Earlier, lawmakers Han Ji-a and Jin Jong-o expressed their intention to attend Han's opening ceremony. In response, Han noted, "There are many lawmakers who plan to come, not just Han Ji-a and Jin Jong-o," and emphasized that he wants to enjoy the event with local residents this time. Meanwhile, Park's opening ceremony is expected to be attended by party leaders, including Jang Dong-hyuk and Song Eon-seok. Regarding this, Han remarked, "The Jang Dong-hyuk faction is showing a stance that they will block Han Dong-hoon even if the Democratic Party takes over here," calling it "very strange politics." On the appointment of Jeong Hyung-geun as his campaign chair, Han clarified, "He is not the one to determine the direction of my election campaign," adding, "This shows that former lawmaker Jeong, who has a strong conservative inclination, agrees with my vision for conservative reconstruction. This election is about electing me, not about the campaign chair." Finally, Han expressed his intention to return to the party, stating, "When I was unjustly expelled, my first words were, 'I will definitely return.' I will return to change the party, conservatism, and South Korea." 2026-05-08 14:02:22 -
Oh Se-hoon Blames Lee Administration for Soaring Housing Prices in Seongdong Park Yong-chan, spokesperson for Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, questioned Jeong Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate, on May 8 regarding the soaring housing prices and rental crisis in Seongdong. "Is this Jeong's responsibility, or is it due to the Lee Jae-myung administration's flawed real estate policies?" he asked. Park criticized Jeong for blaming Oh, who served as Seoul mayor for five years, for the current housing crisis. He argued that if Jeong follows this logic, he should also be held accountable for the real estate turmoil in Seongdong, where he has been the district mayor for 12 years. He added that Oh does not hold Jeong accountable because he understands that the primary responsibility lies with government policy. Park also criticized the real estate policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration and former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, stating that the tax burdens and loan pressures imposed by the current government have led to a housing crisis. He described the decision to deregulate 389 redevelopment zones by the former mayor as a painful mistake that continues to have repercussions. Finally, Park urged Jeong to stop the smear campaign that misplaces blame for the housing crisis. 2026-05-08 12:17:11 -
Jung Cheong-rae Criticizes Opposition for Boycotting Constitutional Vote Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, criticized the opposition People Power Party on May 8 for its absence during the previous day's constitutional vote, calling it "cowardly." During a Supreme Council meeting in Songpa, he stated, "It is cowardly to claim that the content of the constitutional amendment is not strongly opposed and to call it rushed. They should just say they oppose it." He added that such behavior raises concerns about the party's constitutionality. Han Byeong-do, the party's floor leader, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the refusal to participate in the vote was a rejection of the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising and the Busan-Masan Democratic Uprising. He condemned the People Power Party for neglecting its responsibilities as a constitutional body. He emphasized that for a national referendum on the constitutional amendment to occur during the June 3 local elections, a vote in the National Assembly must be completed by May 10. The Democratic Party plans to hold a re-vote on the constitutional amendment in the afternoon session. At the meeting, Jung also highlighted support for Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-o and Songpa District mayoral candidate Jo Jae-hee. He noted his earlier visit to the Garak Market in Songpa, where he heard urgent requests for modernization and digitalization, stressing the need for changes befitting the largest agricultural market in South Korea. He praised Jo as an expert on Songpa, having run for office twice, and expressed confidence that combining Jo's policy capabilities with Jung's administrative experience could restore the glory of the 1988 Seoul Olympics in the district. He stated that their victory would drive the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Jung Won-o proposed forming a special committee for the Gangnam 4 districts (Gangnam, Seocho, Songpa, and Gangdong), asserting that the government and the party must support its effectiveness. He committed to addressing local issues, such as the development of the former Seongdong Detention Center site and the ecological restoration of the Seongnaecheon stream, reflecting the residents' wishes. In response, Jung Cheong-rae pledged to establish the committee immediately. 2026-05-08 12:07:34