Oh Se-hoon: "This Year Marks the First Year of Seoul Public Transportation Reform... 'Mega Seoul' to Be Discussed After the General Election" (Comprehensive)

New Year's Meeting "Climate Companion Card is Welfare for the Underprivileged"
"Creative Industry is the Future... Reviewing Fundamental Measures for Low Birthrate"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "The Climate Companion Card is a discount system implemented as a form of transportation welfare for economically vulnerable groups and ordinary citizens who can make the most active use of public transportation in the truest sense." He added that this year will mark the starting point of changes in transportation policy.

On the 17th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the 2024 Press New Year Meeting held at Seoul City Hall on Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, and answered reporters' questions. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

At a New Year's press conference held at Seoul City Hall on the 17th, Mayor Oh emphasized the significance and importance of the Climate Companion Card, a key project. The Climate Companion Card, an unlimited public transportation pass introduced by Seoul City, is scheduled to go on sale starting the 23rd.

With the basic subway fare in Seoul expected to increase by 150 won in the second half of the year, some have claimed that this is to cover the losses from the Climate Companion Card. Mayor Oh responded, "From a superficial observation, such criticism is possible," but explained, "Essentially, the fare increase is justifiable because everyone remembers how large the deficit was in public transportation."

He further explained, "Last year, to minimize the deficit in the public transportation system, fare increases were implemented, but at the government's request, the increases were staggered?raising bus fares first and then increasing subway fares in two phases."

On the 17th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the 2024 Press Corps New Year Meeting held at Seoul City Hall on Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, and answered reporters' questions. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

Mayor Oh emphasized, "If you connect this superficially, you might simply say the fares are being raised, but since the beneficiaries are those who use public transportation extensively, this is a highly differentiated policy."

Additionally, regarding the Han River River Bus scheduled to operate in September, he said, "We focused on establishing the River Bus as public transportation primarily used during commuting hours rather than for tourism," and introduced, "We plan to set the price at a level that allows it to function as public transportation without imposing a heavy economic burden."

Efforts to link the Climate Companion Card with neighboring local governments such as Gyeonggi and Incheon will continue. Mayor Oh stated, "Before full implementation, we plan to have another discussion opportunity with local governments," and added, "We will make every effort to ensure that not only Seoul citizens but also residents of Gyeonggi Province and Incheon who commute to Seoul can use it without inconvenience."

On the 17th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the 2024 Press New Year Meeting held at Seoul City Hall on Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, and answered reporters' questions. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

Alongside this, Mayor Oh emphasized his intention to foster the 'creative industry,' which encompasses entertainment, e-sports, and media, as the most important industry that will determine the future, calling this year the inaugural year for introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into administration.

He said, "The new media industry such as augmented reality, video industry, e-sports, entertainment, and other digital industries combined will bring about various industrial innovations that will determine the future of South Korea," and added, "Seoul City will play a leading role in the creative industry."

Regarding his business trip to CES, he said, "2024 will be the inaugural year marking the beginning of the artificial intelligence (AI) era," and that it will also be the inaugural year for introducing AI into Seoul City administration.

On the failure of the resident referendum concerning the incorporation of Gimpo City into Seoul held that day, he said, "New City and Mega City initiatives will likely proceed in earnest after the general election, and I believe that is desirable," adding, "Practical discussions are ongoing. We will have in-depth discussions as needed before the election."

Regarding the low birthrate issue, he said, "Announcements that attract attention are mostly cash support," and expressed his intention to consider fundamental measures by delving into structural societal problems and characteristics such as excessive private education costs after childbirth.

On the topic of nuclear armament discussions, he said, "It is important to build a solid foundation so that a realistically possible situation can arise," and clarified that the term 'nuclear potential' is more accurate than 'nuclear armament.' He added, "This is a task for the political sphere, and with the increasing security threats from North Korea, the timing is appropriate."