[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Kim Jin-ae, floor leader of the Open Democratic Party, officially announced her candidacy for the Seoul mayoral by-election on the 27th.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the same day, Floor Leader Kim stated, "I will become the first Seoul mayor with an urban specialist background and create a Seoul where citizens can smile."
She said, "The Seoul mayor should focus on city administration rather than being a stepping stone for the presidential election, so a 'field-oriented spirit' is essential. Based on my experience supporting Seoul city administration as an urban specialist, criticizing problems, and proposing alternatives, I will immediately carry out mayoral duties centered on the field upon election."
Floor Leader Kim presented her pledges, including ▲Midtown development around station areas ▲Promotion of public-interest redevelopment and reconstruction ▲Implementation of a complex growth hub project ▲Establishment of the 'Seoul Economic Development Corporation' ▲Seoul Oasis Network within a 10-minute neighborhood ▲Care Oasis Platform.
She promised, "By fully utilizing the potential of existing and new station areas, I will create midtowns where living and working are close, mixed, and tightly connected. Through active and creative promotion of redevelopment and reconstruction that enhances public interest, I will make Seoul a truly urban city."
Meanwhile, with Floor Leader Kim officially declaring her candidacy for the by-election, interest is also rising in former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom's entry into the National Assembly. Former spokesperson Kim, who resigned amid real estate speculation allegations, ran as number 4 on the Open Democratic Party's proportional representation list in the general election last April but was defeated. If Floor Leader Kim is confirmed as the Seoul mayoral candidate and resigns from her assembly seat, former spokesperson Kim, who was number 4 on the proportional representation list, will succeed the assembly seat.
However, there are also prospects that Floor Leader Kim may not complete the Seoul mayoral race due to variables such as candidate unification with the Democratic Party of Korea.
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