Former Seongdong District Chief Chong Won-o, who was finalized as the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, emphasized that he will respond firmly to any "negative strategy" directed at him going forward. He also unveiled a plan to form a "melting pot election committee" that incorporates the pledges of his former rivals, Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Park Ju-min and Jun Hyun-hee.
On the 10th, candidate Chong held a press conference at the National Assembly press room and said, "The reason citizens feel fatigued with Oh Se-hoon's administration over the past 10 years is clear," adding, "Oh Se-hoon's incompetence, irresponsibility and insensitivity have dimmed expectations for the future."
That afternoon, Chong is scheduled to meet Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae at the National Assembly to discuss forming the campaign committee and election strategy.
At the press conference, Chong pledged to: ▲ overhaul the transportation system for a "30-minute commute city," ▲ revitalize redevelopment and reconstruction projects, ▲ prepare for disasters such as heavy rain, heat waves and cold snaps, ▲ build smart healthcare centers, and ▲ expand cultural infrastructure such as the K-Arena.
After the briefing, Chong told reporters, "I believe being finalized as the candidate without a runoff means party members united their hearts so we can win as 'one team' against Oh Se-hoon," adding, "We will realign our ranks, and in the melting pot campaign committee, I will compile the campaign pledges of candidates Jun Hyun-hee, Park Ju-min, Kim Young-bae and Kim Hyung-nam and prepare them as my pledges."
Chong signaled a change in his mindset for the general election. During the primary, issues such as the "Cancún business trip allegation" and "poll distortion controversy" were raised; in the general election, he intends to respond more proactively.
Chong said, "During the primary, I focused more on citizens' inconveniences than on criticizing my opponents," adding, "What I meant by saying things will be different in the general election is that, while the intraparty primary was conducted in a one-team spirit, if absurd negatives arise in the general election, I will respond firmly."