Heesook Yoon: "Seoul Has Stagnated for 20 Years... Oh Sehoon Has Lost Freshness and Energy"

Heesook Yoon Hints at Running for Seoul Mayor in Local Elections
"Oh Sehoon Must Strive to Overcome Staleness"
"People Power Party Lacks a Sense of Renewal"

Former lawmaker Heesook Yoon, who previously served as the Innovation Committee Chairperson of the People Power Party, hinted at running for Seoul mayor in the June 3 local elections. Regarding the current Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon, Yoon commented, "It seems that there is a widespread perception that his freshness and energy have been depleted." On January 12, during an interview on YTN Radio's "The Interview," when asked if she was still considering a mayoral bid, Yoon replied, "I've gone a bit further than just considering it. I am currently gathering my thoughts and composure," suggesting that her decision to run is imminent.

Former lawmaker Heesook Yoon, who served as the Innovation Committee Chairperson of the People Power Party, hinted at running for Seoul mayor in the June 3 local elections. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

Regarding her reasons for considering a run for Seoul mayor, she said, "I hope this local election will mark the beginning of change and recovery for our country." She pointed out, "There was a time when Seoul underwent major transformations, such as restoring Cheonggyecheon and overhauling the bus system, but for about 20 years since then, the city has stagnated."

She continued, "I believe Seoul citizens now feel that the city is in decline. We need to offer change and hope to the people, but what has been most frustrating is that it has been very difficult to believe that the politicians who have run Seoul, or those who are now running for mayor, truly feel a sense of urgency about this." She added, "I strongly feel that many have simply managed Seoul with the idea that anyone can do it in a similar way, or are motivated by personal ambition to become mayor. That's why I am gathering my thoughts and determination, thinking, 'I really need to give this my all.'"

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon. Photo by Dongju Yoon

Yoon also remarked, "According to public opinion polls, it seems there is a widespread perception that Mayor Oh has lost his freshness and energy. The mayor must make a concentrated effort to ensure that this does not turn into a sense of staleness, and he needs to renew himself. Only by addressing this can the city open up a future for its citizens."

Last year, Yoon served as the head of the party's Yeouido Institute as well as the Innovation Committee Chairperson. At that time, she called for party-level reflection and an apology regarding former President Yoon Suk-yeol, and proposed reform measures, but was ignored by the party leadership.

Regarding party leader Jang Donghyuk's reform plan, which did not explicitly call for a break with former President Yoon, she said, "What exactly is the party doing? There is a complete lack of a sense of renewal." She continued, "Now, those within the party who have made up their minds about the local elections should come out and publicly share their thoughts with the people. We must stop going in circles within the party."