Democratic Party‘s Strategy: How Jung Won-oh Plans to Transform Seoul’s Future

Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae greets Democratic Party Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Won-oh at an on-site Supreme Council meeting held at the campaign office of Kang Tae-woong, the party’s Yongsan district mayoral candidate, in Yongsan, Seoul, on April 17. /Yonhap

The Democratic Party leadership traveled to Yongsan in Seoul to boost Jeong Won-oh’s campaign. With Seoul—one of the most hotly contested battlegrounds in the June 3 local elections—at stake, party leaders led by Jeong Cheong-rae marshaled full support. They targeted opposition Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon, focusing criticism on projects such as the Han River bus initiative.

On April 17, at the on-site Supreme Council meeting in Yongsan, Jeong Cheong-rae put a blue jacket on Jeong Won-oh, formally announcing him as the Democratic Party’s candidate for Seoul mayor. Jeong said, "Jeong Won-oh is a proven public servant praised by residents of Seongdong, recognized by President Lee Jae-myung as capable, and officially endorsed by our party. As Seoul’s only three-term district mayor, he delivered the 'Seongdong miracle' and has shown himself to be an effective administrator."

He added, "I am confident Jeong will carry forward President Lee Jae-myung’s pragmatic approach and is the right person to build a Seoul where citizens are the primary stakeholders. The Democratic Party will unite behind Jeong to advance Seoul as a leading city for both the economy and culture."

Supreme Council member Hwang Myeong-seon also said, "Jeong Won-oh has proven, through hands-on governance, that protecting citizens’ lives and safety is the core responsibility of a mayor. He transformed Seongsu-dong into a globally recognized hotspot; he is the right leader to ensure tax dollars are spent for residents and to run a city that meets citizens at their level."

Jeong pledged a Democratic Party victory in the June 3 local elections and said he plans to shape the country’s future beginning with Seoul. "To overcome challenges such as the demographic decline and the climate crisis, we need capable local governments that coordinate with the central government and deliver tangible results on the ground. Seoul will lead. As one Democratic Party team, we will win," he said.

While the party leadership rallied behind Jeong, it also issued sharp criticism of Oh Se-hoon. Supreme Council member Lee Eon-ju remarked, "Although Mayor Oh cultivated a plausible public image, there has been little substantive change. Aside from the Han River bus, few accomplishments come to mind."

Hwang added, "Under Mayor Oh’s tenure, the mayor himself became the dominant figure in Seoul. City administration has been turned into a stage for enhancing the mayor’s personal political presence rather than serving residents. From installing ceremonial cannons at Gwanghwamun Plaza, to deploying a Han River bus that risks public safety, to undermining the World Heritage setting at Jongmyo—there is scant evidence of an administration that truly serves Seoul’s citizens."