[Herald Economy=Senior Reporter Park Jong-il] On the 9th at 2 p.m., roughly 500 party members and supporters packed the campaign office opening for Dongdaemun district mayoral candidate Lee Pil-hyung, held near the Kyungdong Market intersection.The office was so crowded there was barely room to move, creating an electric atmosphere.
The program opened with a welcome from Han Gyun-tae, former president of Kyung Hee University, followed by remarks from Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon; Kim Kyung-jin, chair of the Dongdaemun-eul party committee; and Park Jung-woon, former president of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Honorary campaign chair Kim Moon-soo and Seoul Party Chair Bae Hyun-jin sent supportive video messages.
In his remarks, Oh said, “Dongdaemun changes every time I come. The city’s transformation and vitality are growing,” and added, “By improving market conditions and creating multi-level hubs, we will develop Cheongnyangni into a global traditional market that draws visitors from around the world.”
He also said, “We held a real estate policy meeting this morning. Whether you own property or not, people are worried — blocked loans, stalled redevelopment, evaporated jeonse deposits, and skyrocketing monthly rents.” He warned that “Seoul stands as the last line of defense against the government’s runaway policies, including on real estate,” and expressed hope that Dongdaemun would “serve as the starting point for that change.”
In his greeting, candidate Lee Pil-hyung said, “Over the past four years we have sown the seeds of change in Dongdaemun. Now we must build a new future for Dongdaemun where culture, the arts, and education thrive, not just alter the city’s appearance.”
He pledged, “We will start anew to make a city Dongdaemun residents can be proud of — a place where children, young people, and seniors can all be happy together,” stressing the future he plans to build with local residents.
Introductions of city and district council candidates, along with their greetings and stated ambitions, further energized the event. After the opening, Oh, Lee, and other city and district council candidates visited Kyungdong Market and the Cheongnyangni traditional market area to meet shopkeepers and local residents.Notably, on May 8 the Seoul Investment Review Committee conditionally approved a design-innovation project for Cheongnyangni traditional market valued at roughly 20 billion KRW (about 15 million USD). The announcement raised merchants’ hopes. Shopkeepers encountered on the visit welcomed the candidates and voiced expectations for improved market conditions and local revitalization.
