Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 18th met and encouraged Chong Won-o, head of Seongdong District, who is being mentioned as a potential candidate for the Seoul mayoral election from the ruling camp. With Chong expected to make his bid for the local election official next week, Jung emphasized a "positive primary," helping build momentum for the party's nomination race.
Jung held a closed-door meeting with Chong for about 30 minutes at the National Assembly on the morning of the same day. After the meeting, Jung shook hands with Chong and said, "I wish you success," and "Do your best," to which Chong replied with a smile, "Thank you."
At the meeting, Jung was quoted as saying he hoped the candidates would create synergy through a positive primary (positive, affirmative). Chong said, "The leader has consistently made clear a position of 'strict neutrality,' and said he will continue to do so going forward."
The meeting was held at Chong's request. Chong is reportedly considering declaring his candidacy for Seoul mayor next week. On the reason for requesting the meeting, he said, "I asked for it to seek various advice," adding, "Please understand it as preparations to embark on a long journey."
Recent polls show Chong leading Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, the Seoul mayor, outside the margin of error or locked in a close race. On this, Chong said, "I take the current public opinion seriously," adding, "I intend to proceed with that mindset at all times."
Lawmakers Park Hong-keun, Park Ju-min and Kim Young-bae are the figures in the ruling camp who have officially declared their bids for the Seoul mayoral race. In addition, within the National Assembly, lawmakers Seo Young-kyo and Jun Hyun-hee are also being mentioned as potential candidates, and outside the Assembly, along with Chong, former lawmakers Hong Ik-pyo and Park Yong-jin are reportedly considering running.