Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, appealed for support on June 2, the last day of official campaigning ahead of the June 3 local elections, stating, "If you wish for President Lee Jae-myung's success, please vote for me."
At his final rally held in the evening at Cheonggye Plaza, Jung said, "By voting, you can choose a Seoul that will succeed alongside President Lee Jae-myung." He emphasized the vision of creating a Seoul where the dreams of young people are revived and that becomes a bucket-list destination for people worldwide.
Jung urged voters to select a mayor who acts rather than just speaks, one who can prove results and keep promises. He added, "Please ensure your friends also vote, as every vote counts."
Targeting his rival, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, Jung criticized him for neglecting safety and failing to fulfill housing and economic pledges. He highlighted his own achievements in transforming Seongsu-dong, a former industrial area, into a global attraction while boosting local job creation and economic activity.
"A candidate who disregards safety is unfit to be mayor," Jung stated, asserting that just as he made Seongsu safe, he would ensure that Seoul becomes the safest city. He called on voters to choose someone committed to creating a secure Seoul.
Jung stressed the importance of having a ruling party mayor to effectively collaborate with President Lee for the city's development. He questioned, "Can we tolerate seeing Oh hurl insults at President Lee during cabinet meetings?" and reiterated his plea for votes.
The ruling party's leadership also rallied behind Jung, with Jung Cheong-rae stating, "We need to elect a Democratic mayor, a Democratic city council, and a Democratic district chief to ensure alignment with the president. This election is about empowering President Lee."
He warned that failing to eliminate remnants of insurrection in this election could lead to a resurgence of corruption and political turmoil in South Korea, urging citizens to make their choice wisely.
Democratic lawmakers united in support of Jung's candidacy. Park Joo-min, who faced Jung in the party's primary, remarked, "If housing, public transport, and welfare in Seoul are lacking, who should we replace? We must remove Oh Se-hoon, who has harmed Seoul." He called for the election of Jung Won-oh to advance the city alongside the Lee administration.
Seo Young-kyo, chair of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, referenced allegations against Oh regarding the funding of a public opinion poll, stating, "I will take the lead in the trial against Oh Se-hoon. Please ensure that only Jung Won-oh is elected."
Han Jeong-ae, policy chair, criticized Oh, saying, "With the KOSPI rising and exports booming, these benefits must reach you through the Seoul city government. Can we allow the mayor to obstruct the president's efforts for the people?"
Former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik also took the stage, asserting that Jung, who has proven his capabilities in Seongdong, must be elected. He noted President Lee's successful track record from his time as Seongnam mayor to his current presidency.
After concluding his rally, Jung moved to conduct a walking campaign in Nonhyeon-dong and Cheonho-dong in Gangnam District.
The final event of the official campaign is scheduled for 11:40 p.m. at the transfer center in Bokjeong Station, Songpa District, where Jung will share his reflections on the campaign and express his commitment to creating a completely new Seoul.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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