"President Lee's Public Praise" Jung Wono Says, "Deeply Appreciative of Oh Sehoon's Opposition to Martial Law"

"Seongsudong: How Does a City Become Loved?" Book Launch

Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District in Seoul, who quickly rose to national prominence after receiving public praise from President Lee Jaemyung, stated on the 10th, "I am quite appreciative of Mayor Oh Sehoon's stance against martial law and his position on impeachment."

Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District, is holding a press conference related to his recently published book "Seongsudong" at PUBG Seongsu in Seongdong District, Seoul, on the 10th. Photo by Yonhap News

Mayor Jung made these remarks in response to a reporter's question about his assessment of Mayor Oh during a press conference for the publication of his book, "Seongsudong: How Does a City Become Loved?" held at the PUBG Seongsu Lounge in Seongdong District, Seoul, that afternoon.

Regarding the Han River bus project promoted by Mayor Oh, Jung pointed out, "Since a significant amount of taxpayer money has already been invested, scrapping the project would incur excessive sunk costs, and contracts have already been signed with companies, making simple cancellation difficult." He added, "While some modifications may be necessary, converting the buses for tourism use could minimize losses."

On the recent conflict over the redevelopment of the Sewoon District 4 in Jongno, Jung advised, "The project should be pursued with consideration for the local context."

Discussing his greatest achievement, the Seongsudong development project, Jung explained, "Seongsudong had five special planning zones that were organized to enable redevelopment. Zones 1 and 2 were extremely underdeveloped, so I determined that redevelopment was necessary." He continued, "Zones 3, 4, and 5 were transformed into caf? streets through urban regeneration. Areas that required development were developed, and those who pursued urban regeneration or remodeling were given incentives."

Mayor Jung, now serving his third term, has led the Seongsudong development project based on urban regeneration initiatives. He recently drew attention after President Lee Jaemyung publicly praised him for his effective work. He is now being mentioned as a potential candidate for the Seoul mayoral race in the June 3 local elections next year.

Regarding President Lee's public praise, Jung said, "In the past, when President Lee was the mayor of Seongnam and then governor, I had opportunities to meet him, and he always remembered and praised my successful policies. I was grateful then, and I consider this recent praise to be an extension of that."

As for his intentions to run for mayor of Seoul, Jung stated, "Once the district council's budget bill is processed next week, I will consider it carefully and make a decision."

The book released by Mayor Jung documents the changes in Seongsudong over the past decade. It details his efforts and achievements in transforming Seongdong District into a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.