Chong Won-o Visits National Assembly, Says of Oh Se-hoon’s ‘Jeol-yoon’ Call: “I Hope It’s Not Just a Campaign Event”

According to Financial News, Chong Won-o, a preliminary candidate for Seoul mayor from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said on the 11th that he hopes Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s call for “Jeol-yoon” will not turn into a mere campaign event.
Visiting the National Assembly that day, Chong stated, “We are used to seeing campaign-oriented events being held every election,” and continued, “I believe what we are seeing from the People Power Party this time is different, and that more practical and sincere actions will follow.”
He added, “Once we see such concrete actions, Seoul residents will be able to judge for themselves whether this is a one-off campaign stunt or a genuine change.”
Chong also responded to criticism from other contenders within his party who are running for Seoul mayor.
Regarding complaints that he has not been active enough in joining TV debates, mainly raised by other party candidates, Chong countered, “The party’s election committee has already scheduled three TV debates and two joint debates,” adding, “I don’t think that is an insufficient number, but if the party’s election committee organizes additional debates, I plan to take part regardless of how many there are.”
On the recent controversy over his remarks about housing prices in Seongdong District, he explained, “I was talking about one of several aspects that show how effective administration can make a place more livable,” and said, “It was expressed as an overall rise in housing prices as a result of that, and I believe that is the part that has been criticized.”
Earlier, on the 10th, Park Joo-min, a fellow DPK preliminary candidate for Seoul mayor, wrote on his social networking service (SNS) account, “In a recent lecture, (Chong) cited the rise in apartment prices in Seongdong District as an example of ‘unprecedented development in Seoul’ and spoke in a way that suggested ‘if local residents want it, housing prices should be raised,’” criticizing him by saying, “The duty of the Seoul mayor is to rein in soaring housing prices and restore stability.”
In response, Chong immediately pushed back, saying he regretted “claims that disparage the efforts that have enhanced the value of Seongdong District,” and the two engaged in a brief war of nerves.
gowell@fnnews.com Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter