During the first TV debate held on the 19th, candidates for the Democratic Party's nomination for Seoul mayor clashed over the urgent issue of real estate, with much of the focus directed at Jeong Won-o, who has recently surged in public opinion polls. The debate took place at the SBS Prism Tower Studio in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, where the candidates—Park Joo-min, Jeong Won-o, Jeon Hyun-hee, Kim Hyung-nam, and Kim Young-bae—addressed various points but zeroed in on Jeong’s recent claim regarding the rise of housing prices in Seongdong District as a sign of unprecedented development in Seoul.

Critiques arose from fellow candidates, particularly Jeon who confronted Jeong about his characterization of the price increase as a personal achievement. He warned that if Jeong diverges from the real estate policies of the current Lee Jae-myung administration, it could lead to similar misalignments seen under Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Park echoed this sentiment, noting he had never encountered a leader who claimed increased housing prices as a success. Other candidates pointed out the lack of a clear vision in Jeong's housing proposals, emphasizing the need for immediate and substantial solutions.

In response to the criticisms, Jeong clarified that his comments were intended to highlight the potential for local projects to enhance community happiness and increase district value. He expressed his belief that all candidates should actively participate in the government’s housing stabilization policies and reaffirmed his commitment to housing pledges, proposing a mix of private apartment developments at 70-80% market prices and more rental housing supply to address housing affordability. This debate highlights the relevance of housing issues in the upcoming mayoral race and reflects broader concerns about real estate policies in South Korea.