[Oh Se-hoon 2nd Anniversary] "Seoul City Will Lead Central Government in Population and Climate Response"

2nd Anniversary Press Conference Held on the 1st
Regarding the Gwanghwamun Taegeukgi Flagpole
"I Will Listen" Steps Back

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed confidence that Seoul will lead the central government in responding to population and climate crises. Regarding the recent controversy over the plan to install a 100-meter-high Taegeukgi flagpole in Gwanghwamun Square, he took a step back, saying he would "listen carefully."

At a press conference held at Seoul City Hall on the 1st to mark his second anniversary in office, Mayor Oh stated, "Ten years ago, to be honest, I had the mindset of doing as much as I could, but now, even if it is impossible, I am determined to do it and make every effort to come up with measures. This is the attitude toward low birth rates and climate change."

He continued, regarding low birth rates and climate response, "We will rather lead the central government," adding, "We will continue to manage projects that have received explosive responses from Seoul citizens, such as childcare support and assistance for infertile couples, so that they can become the 'new normal' of South Korea."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Mayor Oh also emphasized, "It is no exaggeration to say that all carbon dioxide reduction policies in the building sector start from Seoul." He said, "It has been verified that the Climate Companion Card, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector, has the effect of planting 3.3 million trees annually," and added, "We will continue to discover sincere policies and focus on the global issue of climate change and the population problem that determines the survival of South Korea."

During the conference, individual projects announced or underway in Seoul were also mentioned. Regarding the recently announced plan to install a 100-meter-high Taegeukgi flagpole in Gwanghwamun Square, he said, "I will listen more carefully on that issue," adding, "I am a reasonable person, so I respond to reasonable criticism. There will be an opportunity to explain soon." After the city announced this plan, some criticized it as "excessive patriotism."

In response to voices criticizing the city's 'Walking with the Vulnerable' policy as selective support for the vulnerable, he denied the claim by citing the case of the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. Mayor Oh said, "There are many people whom it is difficult to support with budgets and policies, even if they claim to be vulnerable themselves," and asked, "While the National Solidarity considers 'deinstitutionalization' as an absolute ideal, isn't deinstitutionalization not the only way for people with severe disabilities to live?" He added, "It is a reasonable policy to continue strengthening facilities while helping them become independent in the community."

Regarding ongoing citizen conflicts such as the construction of an incineration plant in Mapo District, he emphasized the importance of dialogue but stated that he would firmly enforce measures if necessary. Mayor Oh said, "Fifteen years ago, after becoming mayor for the first time, I raised the operation rate of the incineration plant to 80% within about a year and a half," and added, "The people gave the government the authority to exercise public power; this is for negotiation and persuasion, but when that does not work, it is to be firm. I manage Seoul City under such principles."

Mayor Oh also pledged to continue efforts to improve the treatment of public officials. He said, "Seoul has higher living costs compared to local areas, so living day by day on a low salary is not affluent," and added, "We have been continuously requesting the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to grant regional discretion, as living costs vary by region, so that appropriate salaries and incentive systems can be established to boost public officials' morale."