Jung Won-oh, a former district chief from the Democratic Party, has officially announced his candidacy for the Seoul mayoral election, promising to create a city where taxes are not wasted and to support the government's vision of a citizen-centric Seoul.
Jung Won-oh, the former chief of the Seongdong District in Seoul and a member of the Democratic Party, announced on the 9th his candidacy for the Seoul mayoral election, asserting his commitment to transform the city into a place where residents do not feel their taxes are wasted. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, he expressed the need for a mayor who can support President Lee Jae-myung and emphasized the necessity of converting challenges into opportunities under the concept of 'citizen-led Seoul.' He critiqued the incumbent mayor, Oh Se-hoon, pointing out that over the past decade, the administration has merely promoted grand slogans without addressing rising housing costs, and criticized failed investments like the Han River Bus system which has accumulated deficits.
Jung positioned 'citizens' as a central theme in his candidacy, highlighting his previous tenure as a district chief where he prioritized citizens' complaints and integrated them into policy-making. He proposed direct engagement with citizens for their grievances and emphasized his administrative focus on removing their inconveniences. His campaign promises included advancements in citizen-centered artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, doubling the administrative process speed, and proactive investments in citizen safety. He aimed to establish a strong protective framework for the city’s ten million residents and effectively manage city projects that enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
Additionally, Jung pledged to innovate housing policies by abolishing superficial administrative practices and ensuring taxpayer money is used effectively for citizens' welfare. He suggested implementing a 'manager system' for urban redevelopment projects, delegating authority for small-scale projects to local autonomous regions, and introducing private housing developments at affordable prices, which would significantly increase the availability of budget-friendly residential options. With a vision of transforming Seoul into Asia's economic and cultural capital, he outlined plans that prioritize substantive development over mere appearances in city administration.
