Democratic Party of Korea Kicks Off Seoul Mayoral Race... Jung Won-oh, Known as the 'Mild Lee Jae Myung,' Says He Is 'Mentally Prepared'

[Financial News] With about six months left until next year's June 3 local elections, the race for Seoul mayor—considered the most critical battleground—has already begun in earnest. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is intensifying its efforts to challenge incumbent Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Interest in potential DPK candidates has surged, especially after President Lee Jae Myung unusually praised Jung Won-oh’s administrative abilities in public.
Jung Won-oh, who has emerged as a leading DPK candidate for Seoul mayor, held a book launch and press conference in Seongsu-dong on the 10th. He hinted at the possibility of running, stating, “Once the district council budget bill is processed next week, I will consider and make my decision.”
Earlier that day, Jung also appeared on Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) radio, where he remarked that he is “almost mentally prepared” to run in the DPK’s Seoul mayoral primary for next year’s local elections. He added, “My nickname is the 'Mild Lee Jae Myung.'” Serving his third term as mayor since 2014, Jung has gained attention as a next-generation Seoul mayoral contender after President Lee Jae Myung publicly praised his administrative achievements on social media on the 8th.
During the press conference, Jung outlined his philosophy and vision for Seoul’s administration, suggesting the need for adjustments to fiscal grants to ensure fair competition among districts with significant disparities.
Regarding President Lee’s public praise, Jung downplayed its significance, saying, “It’s routine for a senior local government leader and head of the administration.” When asked about Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s achievements and shortcomings, Jung commended the city’s initiative to reward residents for walking more than 8,000 steps a day, but refrained from engaging in negative attacks.
Further declarations of candidacy are expected from within the DPK. Park Joo-min, a three-term DPK lawmaker representing Eunpyeong-gap in Seoul, will officially announce his bid for Seoul mayor at Gwanghwamun Square on the 11th. Under themes such as 'City of Opportunity' and 'Maximum Growth Potential,' Park will unveil his campaign pledges. He has long been considered a potential DPK candidate. At a political academy hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Party at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea on the 17th of last month, Park presented visions for dual-track public and private housing supply, solutions for emergency room and pediatric care gaps, and integration of the Climate Companion Card and K-Pass, as well as improved management of transportation-isolated areas.
Previously, Park Hong-keun, a four-term DPK lawmaker representing Jungnang-eul in Seoul, became the first within the party to declare his candidacy for Seoul mayor on November 26 in front of Seoul City Hall. Park pledged to expand public housing through the conversion of state-owned land and reconstruction of permanent rental complexes, establish an integrated care system for Seoul, and introduce renewable energy-powered transportation. He also openly criticized Mayor Oh’s administration, citing incidents such as the Han River bus stoppage and redevelopment controversies near Jongmyo, vowing to “overhaul Oh Se-hoon’s citizen-excluding governance.”
Other DPK lawmakers, including Jeon Hyun-hee, Seo Young-kyo, and Kim Young-bae, are also being mentioned as potential candidates. Former DPK lawmakers Park Yong-jin and Hong Ihk-pyo are likewise considered possible contenders for Seoul mayor.
jiwon.song@fnnews.com Song Ji-won Reporter