Kim Seondong Announces Candidacy for Seoul Mayor... "Seoul Needs a Fresh Breeze"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Former Secretary-General of the People Power Party Kim Seon-dong declared his candidacy for Seoul mayor on the 25th, stating, "Seoul needs a new wind."

In his declaration of candidacy on the same day, Kim said, "I have resigned from the position of Secretary-General of the People Power Party to talk with the citizens of Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea, and to challenge the Seoul mayoral election."

He said, "The reality today of the People Power Party is that we have not even properly regained the trust of the people, let alone their love," adding, "we should have acknowledged that the party's current state is due to all of our faults without blaming anyone, but no one had the courage to admit their mistakes. I myself could not let go of everything and was not fierce enough."

Along with a profound reflection, Kim emphasized the need for a mayor who serves only the citizens of Seoul. He said, "Looking at the media, Seoul has become a stage for presidential candidates," adding, "We cannot entrust the future of Seoul to those who only look toward the presidential election rather than worrying about Seoul."

He stressed the need to redesign Seoul as a land of opportunity and challenge. Kim declared, "We must restore Seoul as a special zone of opportunity and challenge, the capital city, and the mayor of Seoul must be the vanguard of this," promising to establish a Seoul Vision Committee to create a mid- to long-term vision for Seoul within one year of his term.

He announced that real estate issues would be resolved through a 'professional vice mayor' system and an expert-centered 'Special Committee on Real Estate Measures.' He said, "If I become the mayor of Seoul, I will definitely solve the housing problem," adding, "I will carry out a reorganization of the Seoul city government to shift to a work-centered system, appoint a 'professional vice mayor' to oversee key tasks, and activate an expert-centered Special Committee on Real Estate Measures." He also emphasized creating platforms where young people can work and start businesses, as well as platforms where young people can freely love and marry.