Mayor Oh Se-hoon Urged to Immediately Stop Undemocratic Administrative Control

Seoul Metropolitan Council Democratic Party Supports Activities of Seoul Village Autonomy Center Federation and Civic Groups Leading Participatory Democracy in Seoul for the Past 10 Years, Expressing Serious Concern over Mayor Oh Se-hoon's Actions Undermining Democracy

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Last September, Mayor Oh Se-hoon used provocative expressions such as ‘ATM’ and ‘daemot’ to baselessly distort and disparage the public-private governance of Seoul City that had been built over the past decade. The efforts of citizens and officials, accumulated over a long period, were instantly reduced to criminal acts by a leader who regarded Seoul City as his personal possession and a stepping stone for political advancement.

Since his remarks, various sectors of society have voiced concerns about Mayor Oh’s government-led, elitist mindset and his undemocratic behavior that despises citizen participation. On the 19th, the Seoul Village Autonomy Center Federation issued a statement in front of Seoul City Hall, urging the ‘Mayor of Seoul to change his anachronistic thinking and stop actions that undermine resident autonomy.’

The Democratic Party of the Seoul Metropolitan Council (Representative Assemblyman Jo Sang-ho) expressed serious concern over Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s anti-democratic behavior and supports the activities of civic groups, including the Seoul Village Autonomy Center Federation, which has led participatory democracy in Seoul for the past decade.

If there are mistakes, it is only natural to guide them in the right direction through fair standards and objective evaluation. However, Seoul citizens will no longer tolerate political behavior that disparages the achievements of civic groups with baseless slander and incites social conflict by using vulgar terms.

Mayor Oh Se-hoon must acknowledge the achievements and results of the public interest activities that citizens and civic groups have worked hard to accomplish in the ‘governance’ arena. Never forget that the true owners of Seoul City are its citizens and partners in city administration.