Chong Won-o, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Seoul mayor, on the first day of early voting on the 29th began courting livelihoods-focused voters with a route that started at redevelopment and reconstruction sites in northern Seoul and linked Gwangjang Market and the Hongdae commercial district. During a stump speech at Gwangjang Market, Chong also received a question from a Seoul education superintendent candidate asking about whether to allow a "queer festival."
Around 11 a.m. on the 29th, Chong began his first schedule by inspecting redevelopment and reconstruction issues in Gangbuk District, Seoul. At a roundtable held that day at the campaign office of Jeong Chang-su, the Gangbuk District chief candidate, Chong listened to residents' difficulties. The event was also attended by Rep. Cheon Jun-ho, who serves on the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Han Min-su (Gangbuk B), and Rep. Kim Nam-geun, chairperson of Chong's campaign housing special committee.
Chong said, "For the north of the river, the key is to secure both expansion of the Dongbu Line transportation network and the speed and safety of redevelopment and reconstruction," adding, "We will dispatch public officials who are experts, called 'Step-by-step managers,' directly under the mayor to each zone to manage all stages before the project."
Chong said, "Speed comes when business feasibility is secured," and emphasized, "We will shorten the union's decision-making process through institutional improvements and strengthen administrative support." He also presented plans to raise business feasibility by making public rental purchase prices realistic and to shorten complex licensing and approval procedures.
In the afternoon, he visited the office of the Seoul branch of the Seoul Merchants Federation in Jongno District, Seoul, and met with traditional market merchants. Chong held a roundtable for about 25 minutes with the heads of traditional market associations from each district.
Chong then moved to Gwangjang Market and continued a walking canvass. He toured the market, shook hands with tenants and street vendors, and took photos with citizens, keeping a close-contact pace.
During the canvass, he ran into Cho Jeon-hyeok, the Seoul education superintendent candidate. Cho approached Chong and asked, "Candidate, will you open the queer festival?" Chong replied, "As a principle, it should be allowed."
Chong later moved to Yeonnam-dong in Mapo District, Seoul, and conducted a walking canvass around Hongik University Station. People in their 20s and 30s and foreign tourists gathered at the site, and Chong continued his canvass taking selfies with citizens. Chong emphasized, "We will revitalize the local commercial district through a 'second Seongsu' project that can draw in tourists."