Kim Min-seok: "We Won't Unconditionally Oppose Oh Se-hoon's Administration" ... Leaves Door Open for Cooperation

[Financial News] Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 29th that he would not unconditionally oppose the administration of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. He plans to establish a relationship with Mayor Oh through "critical cooperation"—actively working together in necessary policy areas while also maintaining criticism and oversight.
At the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul Budget Policy Consultation held at the National Assembly that day, Kim said, "Rather than unconditionally opposing or obstructing Mayor Oh Se-hoon's administration, the Democratic Party should adopt a mature position and attitude that ensures necessary measures benefit citizens."
He noted, "The Democratic Party should view Seoul's issues from the perspective of taking responsibility for citizens' lives, rather than through the lens of victory or defeat in elections," adding, "Especially at a time when there is instability in the city administration, as there is now, it is even more important for us to take that approach."
Kim's remarks were interpreted as targeting Mayor Oh, who is standing trial on charges of violating the Political Funds Act in connection with the Myung Tae-kyun Gate, involving the proxy payment of opinion-polling costs. In the first trial, Oh was sentenced to a fine of 10 million won and an additional collection of 21 million won, a fine that meets the threshold for disqualification from public office—at least 1 million won. Oh immediately appealed the ruling.
Kim went on to emphasize the Democratic Party's responsibility toward Seoul. "Although we failed to produce a Seoul mayor in the last local elections, Seoul is the capital of the Republic of Korea, and as the party responsible for the country, the Democratic Party feels that responsibility," he said. "We have produced a majority of district mayors and city and district councilors, and we have a number of National Assembly members, so we also feel a responsibility as the party accountable for Seoul."
He added, "As the governing party and the responsible party, the Democratic Party will build a relationship with the current city administration and mayor from a mature standpoint," thereby leaving the door open to cross-party cooperation with Mayor Oh.
Rep. Kim Young-bae, chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul City Party Committee, also said the party would cooperate on matters affecting the lives of Seoul residents without being bound by party affiliation.
Kim said, "Today, the 29th, I will submit 12 recommendations to the party leadership, including Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok and floor leader Han Byung-do," adding, "About five of these 12 items also reflect Mayor Oh's requests."
He continued, "When it comes to taking responsibility for citizens' lives, there is no distinction between the ruling and opposition parties, and party affiliation is not a major issue." He added, "If something is intended to take responsibility for and improve citizens' lives, we are willing to pursue broad cross-party cooperation."
He also said, "We prepared these recommendations with the position that, if they would help improve the lives of Seoul residents even slightly, we would decisively accept whatever we can."
The consultation identified housing supply for young people and newlyweds, exemptions from preliminary feasibility studies for urban rail projects, and support for meals and snacks at daycare centers as key priorities for Seoul. Regarding exemptions from preliminary feasibility studies for urban rail projects, Kim emphasized the need for action, saying, "This has hardly ever happened in Seoul," and, "We need to move much faster to improve transportation blind spots and connections between Gangbuk and Gangnam."
Kim also said the consultation discussed ways to support a new central government program for upgrading aging sewer lines, which are a cause of ground subsidence, or sinkholes.
[email protected] Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter