Rep. Park Hong-keun of the Democratic Party of Korea (Seoul Jungnang-gu B) declared, "I will write a new history of Seoul together with great citizens," announcing a run for Seoul mayor in the June 3 local elections next year. Park is the first figure in the ruling camp to declare a bid for Seoul mayor.
On the 26th, Park held a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall and formalized his bid for mayor, saying he would transform Seoul into a city that puts the lives of its citizens first.
In December last year, he mentioned the martial law situation and said, "Next year's local elections will be a decisive watershed that will firmly root the Lee Jae-myung administration among the people, and at the center is the Seoul mayoral race." He added, "I will be a 'change maker (Change Maker)' for a new Seoul."
Aiming at Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, Park said, "Seoul citizens are now surrounded by the three 'uns' of instability, inequality, and imbalance," and criticized Oh's key priority projects, including the Han River bus project, Nodeul Arts Island, and Seoul Ring, saying they "showcase the ultimate in showcase administration."
He added, "I will be 'the most reliable partner mayor in my life.' I will boldly make Seoul into a 'warm urban community where everyone prospers together' and 'the world's best city (G2) overflowing with an innovative economy and creative culture.'"
As concrete pledges, he proposed: ▲ rapid expansion of supply of Affordable Housing ▲ establishment of a "Seoul-style integrated care service" bundling medical care, welfare, housing, and mental health ▲ making village bus fares free during his term and improving the free subway rides policy for seniors ▲ narrowing gaps between Gangnam and non-Gangnam areas ▲ adjusting the joint taxation ratio of property tax ▲ implementing AI administration.
Park also highlighted his ties with the president. Introducing himself as "the architect of the Lee Jae-myung administration and a partner of President Lee Jae-myung," he noted that in 2021, he was the first among Seoul-area lawmakers to publicly declare support for Lee, then the Gyeonggi governor. He also cited his record of working in step with party leader Lee Jae-myung as floor leader and serving as chair of the policy planning subcommittee of the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning after the new administration launched.
In the ruling camp, in addition to Park, those mentioned as potential Seoul mayoral candidates include Reps. Seo Young-kyo (four terms), Park Jumin; former Reps. Jeon Hyeon-hee (three terms) and Hong Ik-pyo; Rep. Kim Young-bae (two terms); former Rep. Park Yong-jin; and Seongdong District Chief Jeong Won-o.