Seoul mayor contenders battle for last-minute support

Apr 06, 2026, 09:36 am

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Jeon Hyun-hee, Park Joo-min, and Jung Won-oh, preliminary candidates for Seoul mayor from the Democratic Party of Korea, pose for a photo ahead of a joint speech event at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 5. /Yonhap

Three candidates from the Democratic Party of Korea intensified their campaigns on April 5, just one day before the final primary for the Seoul mayoral race, as they competed for last-minute voter support.

Preliminary candidates Jeon Hyun-hee, Park Joo-min, and Jung Won-oh delivered joint speeches, unveiling targeted pledges aimed at specific regions and voter groups while also exchanging sharp criticisms.

Jung, who spoke first, criticized incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, stressing the need for closer coordination with the Lee administration.

He pledged to supply 140,000 public housing units by 2031 through a mix of construction, purchase, and lease programs, aiming to provide affordable housing options for young people, newlyweds, and low-income households. Jung also proposed establishing neighborhood-level smart healthcare centers and senior campuses, as well as expanding after-school care services by repurposing closed daycare centers.

Park emphasized a “Gangbuk-first” policy, promising large-scale investment in northern Seoul. He pledged to inject at least 3 trillion won, including a 1 trillion won special account for balanced development, into the region, along with plans for a bio cluster, a 50,000-seat arena, and expanded rail networks.

Jeon focused on appealing to young voters and non-homeowners, proposing to supply 100,000 “quarter-price apartments.” She said the plan would allow residents to purchase housing at significantly reduced prices, citing previous cases in Gangnam, Godeok, and Magok where apartments were offered at lower costs.

The event also saw candidates exchange pointed remarks. Jung highlighted his electoral success in the “Han River Belt,” while Jeon countered that winning in the affluent Gangnam districts was more critical. Park rejected both arguments, criticizing his rivals simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s Gyeonggi governor primary, featuring Kim Dong-yeon, Choo Mi-ae, and Han Joon-ho, is being held from April 5 to 7. The final candidate will be determined through a combination of party member votes and public opinion polling, with a runoff to be held if no candidate secures a majority.

#Seoul mayor race #Democratic Party #Jeon Hyun-hee #Park Joo-min #Jung Won-oh