People Power Party Criticizes Jung Won-o's Call to Halt GTX Construction

The People Power Party criticized Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, for announcing plans to halt construction on the GTX-A line at Samsung Station due to alleged rebar omissions. They labeled his statement as "political manipulation under the guise of safety."

Jang Dong-hyuk, the party's representative, made these remarks during a central election campaign meeting in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "Jung should stop inciting fear and engage in discussions instead."

Jang further accused Lee Jae-myung of using Jung as a campaigner, saying, "As soon as I called for a thorough investigation into the rebar omissions at Samsung Station, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety rushed in as if they were waiting for my command."

He added, "It was the Ministry of Land that suppressed the Seoul city's reports six times. If they are serious about an investigation, they should start with the Ministry of Land, not the city of Seoul."

Jang criticized Jung for demanding a halt to construction, asserting that the project is already undergoing reinforcement work after professional reviews and safety checks. He remarked, "Jung is calling for a stop to construction while also threatening to halt the Han River bus service and dismantle the Gwanghwamun Square. This is reminiscent of Park Won-soon’s second term, where he halted projects like the DDP and Sebit Floating Islands."

He emphasized, "Returning to a city that farms instead of governing is more unsettling than having a convicted felon as mayor."

Song Eon-seok, the party's floor leader, also weighed in on the Samsung Station issue, stating, "Jung's declaration to halt construction is a politically motivated attack on Oh Se-hoon, rather than a responsible administrative decision. A responsible leader would at least examine the situation closely before making such declarations."

He warned that prolonged delays in the GTX construction would severely impact commuters from southern Gyeonggi Province traveling to Seoul, questioning whether Choo Mi-ae, who is running for governor of Gyeonggi Province, has discussed this issue with Jung.

Song urged Choo to clarify her position on the potential delays in the GTX-A construction and whether she agrees with Jung's call to halt it. He suggested that a thorough discussion in front of the citizens of Seoul and Gyeonggi would be the proper approach to address these concerns.

He concluded by criticizing all candidates, including Jung, Choo, and Incheon candidate Park Chan-dae, for avoiding debates, urging them to stop evading discussions and seek the public's judgment through open dialogue.