On 'Primary Election Privilege for Han':
"It Will Not Be Easy to Give Benefits to a Specific Candidate"
On Myung Taekyun Allegations:
"The Public Will Likely Trust My Words More"
"Will Create a Qualitatively Mature Society, Not Just Growth-Oriented"
On the 11th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon commented on Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's 'presidential election candidacy theory,' saying, "I hope that many people participate in the primary election and that a meaningful primary election is held amid the great public interest." He expressed a negative stance on the 'primary election privilege' of Han directly participating in the main primary election.
After attending the '2025 Donghaeng Seoul Nuri Festival' held at Yeouido Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu on the same day, Mayor Oh spoke to reporters about the possibility of Acting President Han running for president.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon delivers a commemorative speech at the '2025 Donghaeng Seoul' Nuri Festival held at Yeouido Park, Seoul, on the 11th. Provided by Seoul City
Mayor Oh evaluated Acting President Han by saying, "His efforts to resolve tariff issues with the United States probably convey a very stable image to the public, and I think this is reflected in his approval ratings." However, regarding opinions within the party suggesting that other presidential candidates should first compete in the primary election and then unify again with Acting President Han in the main primary election in early May, he said, "It will not be easy for the Democratic Party to give greater benefits to a specific candidate."
In response to criticism that the primary election rules might disadvantage moderate candidates due to provisions preventing adverse selection, he replied, "As a candidate participating in the primary, I think it is not appropriate to say what is good or bad." He added, "I believe the party has prepared primary election rules that help defeat the opposing candidates, and I intend to follow them."
Regarding risks related to 'political broker' Myung Tae-kyun, he dismissed concerns, saying, "What risks could there be? Among the things he (Myung) has said and what I have said, the public will probably trust my words more."
At the event, Mayor Oh celebrated the 45th Disabled Persons Day and awarded the 'Seoul Metropolitan Welfare Award' to citizens and organizations that have worked to promote welfare for the disabled. Mayor Oh stated, "The Seoul city administration's goal of 'Donghaeng with the vulnerable' is not growth-oriented but aims to create a qualitatively mature society and, furthermore, a sustainable society, which reflects my philosophy and will." He added, "We will do our best so that you can enjoy a happier and more comfortable life without discrimination, including quality jobs for the disabled, residential environments, and mobility convenience."
Mayor Oh has set Donghaeng with the vulnerable as a core presidential policy pledge. This week, his external schedule is also aligned with 'Donghaeng with the vulnerable.' On the 8th, he attended the 'Seoul Run Student Invitation Meeting' held at a study room in Geumcheon-gu, and on the 9th, he visited the Youth Employment Academy Dobong Campus. The day before, he attended the 'Didimdol Income Meeting' held at the Seoul Welfare Foundation in Mapo-gu, mentioning the effect of reducing welfare dependency through Didimdol Income and stating, "We will expand the experimental subjects to build a more perfect K-welfare system and provide citizens with a better tomorrow through this."
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