Chong Won-o, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Seoul mayor, and Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, held their final rallies on the afternoon of the 2nd at Cheonggye Plaza and in Sinchon, respectively. They then toured various parts of Seoul in a last-minute push to win votes.
Chong began his final rally at about 8 p.m. on the 2nd at Cheonggye Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul. At the final rally, which began with a support speech by Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae, Chong said, "Oh Se-hoon pledged to supply 360,000 dwellings within five years to resolve the housing shortage, but in reality supplied an annual average of 39,000," adding, "We must replace a candidate who did not keep promises."
Chong said, "We turned Seongsu-dong, an old factory zone, into a global hot place, nearly doubled the number of corporations in Seongsu-dong compared with 10 years ago, increased jobs, and revitalized the Seongdong economy," adding, "With proven ability, I will revive Seoul's economy."
Chong stressed that he should become Seoul mayor to back Lee Jae-myung's governance. He said, "President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating is ranking between No. 1 and No. 3 among OECD countries worldwide," adding, "The term of the Seoul mayor elected this time exactly matches the president's remaining term. Do you want a mayor who will trip things up and fight for four years, or a partner who will work seamlessly and get things done?"
Oh Se-hoon held his final rally around 7 p.m. at Sinchon Station. Introduced by Bae Hyun-jin, head of the People Power Party's Seoul chapter, Oh took the stage and began his speech by introducing the Citizens' Accompaniment election committee.
Explaining why he chose Sinchon for his final rally, Oh said, "A society where young people lose their dreams has a bleak future." He said, "Five years ago, I pledged to build a Seoul that accompanies the underprivileged," adding, "The ladder of social mobility has begun to be restored. Please give me four more years."
Oh sharply criticized the Lee Jae-myung administration's real estate policy. Oh said, "Looking at the president's words and actions these days, Lee is becoming less humble and more arrogant," adding, "People have to move soon, but there is no way to find a jeonse, and monthly rents are soaring sky-high. If I become Seoul mayor, I will make him reflect and apologize."
Even after finishing their final rallies, Chong and Oh did not end their schedules and traveled around Seoul to meet citizens. After 9 p.m., microphones could not be used, but they gave speeches with their unaided voices or listened to citizens.
Chong toured the food alley in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, and Cheonho Rodeo Street in Gangdong-gu. For the last field visits, he went to the Songpa Public Bus Garage in Songpa-gu and the Bokjeong Station transfer center. A Chong Won-o campaign official said, "The purpose was to encourage bus drivers and on-site officials who ensure citizens return home safely late at night, and to emphasize the commitment to guaranteeing safety and mobility rights for night-shift workers and citizens."
Chong will conclude his official campaign by taking the N37 late-night bus at the Bokjeong Station transfer center to Suseo Station. Chong said, "Just as Seoul's N37 late-night bus protects citizens' days through the night and dawn, Chong Won-o will connect citizens' today and Seoul's tomorrow," adding, "I want to support the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration from Seoul."
Oh visited the Garden of Gratitude at Gwanghwamun and then met citizens around Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung-gu, Seoul. At the Garden of Gratitude, Oh said, "The Republic of Korea is a success story that serves as a model for all countries in the free camp," adding, "I think the day is not far off when (the Garden of Gratitude) will rise as a space that conveys to people around the world how meaningful freedom and democracy are."
Oh wrapped up his campaign by meeting merchants and citizens at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Reflecting on the end of the campaign, Oh said, "Tomorrow's choice will decide the fate of the Republic of Korea and its capital, Seoul, for the next four years," adding, "We stand at a crossroads of whether Seoul can become a warmer and healthier 'special city for quality of life' or regress, and whether the Republic of Korea will run amok on the path of dictatorship or whether democracy will be firmly protected."
Oh said, "During the campaign, when students came up and asked us to build a country where they can have hope, I felt very ashamed and sorry," adding, "I will faithfully reflect what I learned during this campaign over the next four years to work even harder for an inclusive Seoul, a Seoul that accompanies the underprivileged."