"'First Day at Work' Oh Se-hoon Targets 'Late Park Won-soon' at Executive Meeting: 'I Will Not Swing the Sword Recklessly'"

"Cannot guarantee it is completely absent, but will not commit foolishness such as easily changing direction or canceling"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] "The former mayor came and initially overturned the work of the previous mayor. That memory is vivid. It was very heartbreaking, and I experienced tears of blood inside. Taking this as a lesson, I will not make the mistake of easily changing direction, canceling, or pretending nothing happened."

On the afternoon of the 8th, Mayor Oh Se-hoon, returning as Seoul mayor after 10 years, said this during a meeting with about 30 Seoul city executives at the multipurpose hall on the 8th floor of Seoul City Hall. He evaluated the administration of the late former Mayor Park Won-soon and announced his own administrative policy for the next 1 year and 3 months.

Mayor Oh added, "While governing, there may be some modifications due to differences in philosophy and principles," and emphasized, "I cannot guarantee that there will be none at all, but unlike the early days of the previous mayor, there will definitely be no reckless actions taken without thorough review."

He also addressed the controversy during the election about plans to re-educate and dismiss some officials from his previous term through activities like national land pilgrimages. Mayor Oh said, "The memory of making employees suffer, including a 3% dismissal, seems to have been exaggerated over time," and added, "I heard that young employees who have not experienced working with me are worried that it will not be easy when Mayor Oh comes in."

He continued, "In the wartime situation of COVID-19, establishing work discipline among employees is not timely," and added, "There is no need to worry about that at all. Honestly, there is no capacity for that either."

As the top priority, he cited the livelihood issues caused by COVID-19 that bring inconvenience and suffering. Mayor Oh said, "The top priority task will likely be to address the inconveniences and severe suffering experienced in the field of people's livelihoods due to COVID-19," and urged, "Please prepare thoroughly for tomorrow’s first meeting on this matter, to be held by the relevant departments and headquarters."

In the ‘Major Administrative Issues Report’ that followed the meeting, Mayor Oh also addressed the COVID-19 response as the first agenda item. He said, "I promised to show you that I can work skillfully from day one, and I will work really hard not to disappoint your expectations. I will do my best," and added, "Seeing all of you makes me feel reassured and confident. I believe that together with you, we can skillfully alleviate the suffering of Seoul citizens as soon as possible."