Speaking to reporters in Mapo, Jang said, \"The Seoul mayoral race has officially entered the primary phase.\"
He said he had heard that Mayor Oh and Rep. Park Su-min would seek the party nomination. \"I hope they run a strong primary,\" he said, \"and that everyone joins forces so we can win the Seoul mayoral race.\"
He stressed that combining Rep. Park's fresh ideas with Mayor Oh's extensive administrative experience — along with the strengths of other applicants — could produce a strong primary that boosts their chances in the Seoul mayoral election.
Responding to Mayor Oh's calls for a shift in the party's direction, Jang said he believed those comments were intended to help secure victory in the local elections. \"Since adopting the resolution, we have been working to reform the party,\" he said, \"but we cannot satisfy everyone when it comes to the pace or the details.\"
He added that the party would continue to pursue change and innovation, taking various factors into account to win the local elections. \"We will solicit input from the Supreme Council and party leadership and assemble the most effective campaign committee,\" he said.
