[Oh Se-hoon 2nd Anniversary] "Talking about the presidency is not a duty to voters... I will work harder from a humble position"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's 2nd Anniversary Press Conference
On Presidential Ambitions: "What You Do Matters More Than the Position"
Highlights Achievements Like Ansim Income and Seoul Run
Next 2 Years: "Will Contribute to a Revolution in Citizens' Daily Lives"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "Talking about a presidential bid at the point of turning the halfway mark of my term is not proper to the voters," adding, "It is not important which position I go to, but what I do that matters more." However, Mayor Oh also said, "I am a member of the ruling party," and "It is desirable to directly express opinions that need to be conveyed within the government and ruling party." This is interpreted as Mayor Oh, a potential ruling party presidential candidate who has quietly been building his influence by increasing contacts with the Yeouido political circles since the last general election, signaling his intention to expand his political activities going forward.

On the morning of the 1st, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon held a press conference at Seoul City Hall to mark the second anniversary of his inauguration, evaluating the past two years of city administration and outlining future plans.
[Photo by Seoul City]

On the morning of the 1st, Mayor Oh held a press conference at Seoul City Hall marking his 2nd anniversary in office, stating, "I will not aim for higher positions but will devote myself to work at a lower level." On this day, Mayor Oh highlighted the achievements of the 8th elected term, such as the Guaranteed Income, Seoul Run, and Climate Companion Card, emphasizing his commitment to contributing to a 'daily life revolution' that changes everyday life through policies during the remaining two years of his term. He introduced how Seoul has transformed citizens' lives through this daily life revolution.

However, he expressed regret over the lack of depth in the governing philosophy during his term, including the by-election period. Mayor Oh admitted, "About three years have passed including the early term, but for about one year, we were on the wrong path set by the previous mayor," adding, "The direction was set differently from my thoughts, which required considerable energy." Nevertheless, he said, "I have no regrets as it was a new investment toward the future," and evaluated, "Now, after three years, the restoration of Seoul City has been somewhat completed."

He announced that during the remaining term, he will focus on policies that change daily life. As a solution to 'inequality,' Mayor Oh said, "We will reduce not only income and regional gaps but also disparities in education, leisure, culture, and health to ensure no discrimination in enjoying everyday happiness," adding, "The Guaranteed Income, which boosts work motivation, and the advanced Seoul Run will establish a standard for sustainable welfare." He also identified 'housing stability for newlyweds' as the top priority to address low birth rates and promised to supply an 'unprecedented volume' of long-term rental housing for housing security.

Regarding the revolutions Seoul City will pursue over the next two years, Mayor Oh explained, "This is why I am in politics," but was reserved about a 'presidential bid.' He said, "I think it is not proper to talk about a presidential bid already at the halfway point of my term after being elected as mayor," and responded, "I will answer with the determination to devote myself to work at a lower level rather than aiming higher." However, he added, "As a senior member of the ruling party, there is a need to send political messages to the world," and "There is an expectation that the people have for me. I will continue to deliver messages that meet those expectations."

Mayor Oh's presence has been prominent in his recent actions. Unlike before, when he took a cautious stance on political issues, he has been outspoken not only on party affairs but also delivering sharp messages toward former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and the opposition. In particular, he has not held back his voice on issues that hint at his future national policy plans, such as financial investment income tax, pension reform, and the reactivation of North Korean loudspeakers. Last week, he even raised the issue of 'nuclear armament.' On this day, Mayor Oh criticized Lee's basic income proposal as "the pinnacle of sophistry." He said, "Shouldn't we help those who are so struggling that they can hardly pay taxes?" and added, "In that sense, when conclusions are predetermined and logic is constructed, such sophistry is inevitable."

Regarding Seoul City policies during his previous term, Mayor Oh said, "I want to give a high score, but if I express it in numbers, it might not seem humble," yet he added, "I want to give about 90 points to the public officials." He said, "It is an honor that many citizens use the policies so much that the media talks about them as million-sellers," and expressed, "At this moment of turning the halfway point, I am very grateful to our public officials."