People Power Party Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon said on the 11th that "'shut up and supply' is the fundamental solution" to the real estate issue, adding that he would resolve home loan difficulties worsened by government lending curbs by raising funds through the Seoul city budget. "Shut up and supply" is one of Oh's signature pledges, with a goal of supplying 310,000 dwellings.
That morning, Oh offered views on key issues including real estate at a Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club debate held at the MBN Media Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi.
Regarding the current surge in jeonsei and monthly rents and the shortage of listings, Oh said "'shut up and supply' (Dakgong) is the most fundamental solution," adding, "With no idle land in Seoul, redevelopment and reconstruction are the only way out, accounting for about 80% of total supply."
He added, "During the 10 years of Mayor Park Won-soon, 389 redevelopment and reconstruction districts were lifted, and after I became mayor, I revived them; currently, redevelopment and reconstruction are underway in about 578 districts," noting, "The fact that there were many district designations during my term is the most central measure in my dwellings policy."
Oh also said he would resolve issues such as relocation disruptions caused by the government's loan regulations by arranging a Seoul city fund. He said, "The government's active support for Seoul's redevelopment and reconstruction is the solution to supply," adding, "Due to the Oct. 15 measures, bans on transferring union membership status and loan limits are causing relocation confusion for tens of thousands of households this year alone."
He went on, "Because the government restricts loans, Seoul will set up a Housing Promotion Fund to provide separate assistance and enable relocations so construction can begin."
Oh also pledged that if elected in this race, he would raise the quality of life for Seoul residents. He added that even during his previous term, the quality of life for Seoul citizens improved through the creation of green space and waterfront areas.
On the Han River bus, he promised a turnaround to surplus. Oh said, "Food and beverage business sites at the piers generate sales in the 'hundreds of millions of won,' and all the ad boards are installed, so combining the two, we expect to post a surplus by the end of next year," adding, "It took 15 years for the River Bus on the Thames to escape losses, but we are confident we can be in the black within three years."
He added, "More important than the surplus or deficit issue is citizens' response—on weekends, satisfaction is through the roof, to the point you can't ride without standing in line."
He also appealed that in this election, he needs support from ordinary citizens more than backing from the party. Oh said, "Local elections are less political contests than votes focused on quality of life and everyday administration," adding, "I think we need the explanations and support of everyday citizens more than a campaign rally by leader Jang Dong-hyeok."
He also pledged to play a role in rebuilding the conservative camp. Oh said, "If elected, I will become a symbolic figure for conservative reconstruction," adding, "There are signs the president is beginning to run amok little by little, and the very existence of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon will serve as a significant psychological check."
He also took aim at rival Democratic Party of Korea candidate Chong Won-o over a controversy about an overseas business trip. Oh said, "At Seoul City Hall, when we go on overseas business trips, we never go to resorts," adding, "Nothing has been disclosed about the two-night, three-day resort itinerary, and if a Seoul city official showed such behavior, it might be a strong expression, but it would be grounds for dismissal."