In the lead-up to the June 3 Seoul mayoral election, Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party unveiled AI-related policy proposals on May 11, aiming to capture the support of young and moderate voters. Meanwhile, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party focused on housing supply, a key issue in the election, to dominate the real estate narrative.
Jung announced his 'AI G2 (Global 2nd City) Seoul' initiative on his social media, following a visit to LG's AI research center in Magok-dong, where he observed a demonstration of large-scale AI technology and held a policy meeting.
This initiative follows his announcement on May 8 to develop Yongsan into a 'Global AI Governance Hub' for discussions on AI diplomacy, safety, ethics, and international standards. Jung also pledged to transform the relatively underdeveloped Guro and Gasan Digital Complex into a center for physical AI demonstration economies. He aims to connect AI research capabilities in Yangjae with the industrial base in Guro and Gasan to establish a 'Seoul-style physical AI ecosystem' that operates in real-world industrial settings.
The city plans to become the first customer for AI companies, expanding projects to develop and test related services. It will also operate a hands-on AI academy for youth and middle-aged individuals to support job creation and industrial transition.
AI will also be utilized for citizen safety and administration. Plans include safety AI to address stalking and nighttime risks, disaster AI to predict flooding and fires, and small business AI to assist with sales, inventory, and customer service. The city aims to establish a direct AI complaint system and an AI administrative support platform to better identify and respond to citizen issues.
Jung stated, "For South Korea to lead in the global AI competition, the entire city must become an innovation platform. We will set global AI standards in Yongsan and create jobs and business growth in Guro and Gasan to usher in the AI G2 era."
Oh, on the other hand, focused on addressing public concerns about real estate. He held a press conference for the 'Citizens' Countermeasure Meeting on Real Estate Hell' in Gaebong-dong, Guro-gu, and later convened a meeting with representatives from various urban planning and redevelopment associations in Jongno-gu.
At the press conference, Oh highlighted issues such as the surge in jeonse (long-term lease) prices, rising monthly rents, increased property taxes, and lending restrictions, stating, "Both homeowners and those without homes are deeply concerned. All Seoul citizens are expressing their pain."
He attributed the 'real estate hell' to the failures of the Lee Jae-myung administration's housing policies, asserting, "Many voters are desperately seeking solutions, and I will actively listen to the voices of residents across Seoul, especially the youth."
Meanwhile, the two candidates continued their back-and-forth over the possibility of a one-on-one debate. Oh pressed Jung, stating, "A multi-candidate debate is scheduled by the election commission, but I propose a one-on-one debate on Seoul's various policies."
In response to Jung's criticism that Oh had previously rejected debate proposals during the People Power Party's primary, Oh argued, "At that time, the other candidates had not yet formulated their pledges." He insisted that Jung should not use the past as an excuse to avoid a one-on-one debate, adding, "Now that both of us have put forth our pledges, it is our duty and responsibility to debate."
Jung, appearing on CBS Radio's 'Park Seong-tae's News Show,' referenced the earlier primary debate and stated, "Changing one's stance based on the situation leads to a loss of trust," effectively signaling his refusal to participate in a one-on-one debate.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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