Controversy Over 'Choding' Label and Policy Promotion by Woo Sang-ho, Continuous Campaign Moves

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Woo Sang-ho, a candidate for the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is continuing his policy efforts, extending from real estate to pledges regarding companion animals.

Last week, Woo criticized opposition candidates, saying they seem to think they will win just by "attacking real estate" and "attacking Park Won-soon," calling it "childish talk." He then expressed interest in knowing what environmental, labor, and Gangnam-North-South balanced development policies exist for Seoul, signaling a policy showdown.

On the 23rd, Woo visited Namdaemun Market with party leader Lee Nak-yeon and former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun to listen to the voices of merchants struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Since former Minister Park resigned on the 20th and has not yet officially declared her candidacy for the Seoul mayoral by-election, Woo had been running a solo race. Park, who will face Woo in a one-on-one contest, is expected to officially announce her candidacy next week, starting with a party event held that day.

On the same day, Woo posted on his Facebook, "I visited Namdaemun Market late last year to check on the merchants' situation, and unlike then when I was alone, I felt reassured," adding, "It has been 42 days since my candidacy declaration, and finally, I am no longer alone." He further urged, "Let's run together for the victory of the Democratic Party and the success of the Moon Jae-in administration," addressing former Minister Park.

Meanwhile, Woo continued sharp criticism toward opposition lawmakers.

On the 22nd, Woo pointed out, "When the number of COVID-19 cases decreases, they say it is artificially manipulated; when disaster relief funds are given, they say the country's treasury is not considered; when vaccine issues are raised, they complain, but now that the problems are resolved, they are picking fights over the 9 PM business hour restriction."

Targeting candidate Na Kyung-won in particular, he said, "They hypocritically accuse the government and ruling party of politically exploiting quarantine measures," and asked, "Do Na Kyung-won and opposition candidates not want economic and quarantine success?"

On the 21st, he raised the criticism level, saying, "Even if it becomes a controversial issue, I want to give advice," and added, "The opposition seems to think they can win just by attacking real estate policies and former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. That is childish talk."

Woo summarized the opposition candidates' and party's actions as twofold: "Only attacking Moon Jae-in's real estate policy and Park Won-soon." He continued, "They want to make this election about those issues, but Seoul citizens will judge who will properly take care of our lives going forward," emphasizing, "While the opposition is stuck in past political strife, I will differentiate myself by presenting a vision."

Following his real estate policy pledge to supply 160,000 public housing units, Woo proposed balanced development between Gangnam and northern Seoul by undergrounding Subway Line 1 and creating public housing on the reclaimed railway land.

Woo Sang-ho, the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul mayoral primary candidate, is announcing the 'Balanced Development between Gangnam and Gangbuk' policy at the National Assembly on the 21st. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Woo said, "The railway that crossed the city center was a symbol of industrialization and development, but development was restricted along the railway boundary, causing surrounding slumification and noise problems, turning it into an obstacle that causes urban disconnection," adding, "Undergrounding the railway exposed on the surface of downtown Seoul and integrated development of Seoul Station are the first keys to connecting the divided city center and resolving inequality and disparity."

On the same day, he released the seventh installment of his policy series titled "Companion Animals Are Family" on Facebook, detailing plans such as establishing public animal hospitals, standardizing and mandating disclosure of veterinary fees, installing 'Ttwinolgae' dog playgrounds in all 25 autonomous districts of Seoul, and creating regional 'Seoul-style abandoned animal adoption centers (Animal Houses)' as specific measures.