Expressing 'Condolences' for Disaster Victims Before New Year's Address
"Regulatory Abolition is the Root Solution to Social and Economic Issues"
"Will Make Seoul Respected Amid Political Turmoil"
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced on the occasion of the 2025 New Year that he will "push forward a full-scale 'war on regulations' with the determination to reduce regulatory authority by half." Despite successfully establishing million-seller policies such as the Climate Companion Card this year, Seoul City believes that to solve the deep-rooted social and economic issues, the root cause?regulations?must be addressed.
Before delivering his New Year's address on the last day of the year, December 31, Mayor Oh expressed "deep regret over the Jeju Air passenger plane accident that occurred on the 29th and offered sincere condolences to those affected and their families," adding, "Seoul City promises to stand with the people's pain and provide all necessary support."
In his subsequent New Year's speech, he emphasized 'deregulation' as the goal for the new year. Mayor Oh stated, "While symptomatic treatments for each social problem are necessary to break down the walls of reality and find an exit, fundamental 'causal treatments' that can revive the social economy and restore vitality are required," stressing, "We must move beyond regulatory reform and begin full-scale regulatory abolition."
Seoul City achieved successes this year, including policies used by over one million citizens such as the Climate Companion Card, Wrist Doctor 9988, and Seoul Outdoor Library, as well as ranking first in public institution integrity evaluations. However, Mayor Oh argues that regulatory reform is ultimately the answer to overcoming the solid 'walls of reality' faced by citizens in areas like jobs and real estate. He said, "Even with a job, to secure a decent apartment in Seoul requires 'all-in' investments in real estate, stocks, and coins, and the elderly suffer amid the worst elderly poverty and suicide rates among OECD countries," adding, "These realities will feel like enormous walls to the citizens."
He further stated, "Historically, many cases show prosperity from reducing regulations, but no country has succeeded by increasing them," and advised, "The National Assembly should not mistake increasing the number of bills as an achievement and must stop the misguided march of competing to pass more legislation."
He also pledged to spare no effort in investment and cooperation related to future growth engines in advanced technologies. Mayor Oh said, "President Syngman Rhee planted the apple tree of nuclear power amid the ashes of war, and President Park Chung-hee nurtured the apple trees of shipbuilding, automobiles, and steel during the oil shock," adding, "AI, bio, robotics, and creative industries are the apple trees we must plant now."
Mayor Oh explained, "Especially AI will become the center of technology following PCs and mobile devices, so global talent must gather in Seoul, and sufficient research funding must be invested," and stated, "We will not remain confined to the authority Seoul City holds but will collaborate with the government, businesses, and universities to create a model for fostering advanced technologies."
He also revealed his determination to overcome the crisis amid the worsening political situation following the December 3 emergency martial law incident. Mayor Oh said, "We are currently facing significant challenges such as political turmoil, a crisis of external credibility, and economic uncertainty," and expressed his ambition, "However, we have the DNA of innovation and leap forward. We will overcome all crises and build a Seoul that is more respected worldwide."
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