On the 10th, Chong Won-o, head of Seongdong District, said, "The role of the Seoul mayor is an administrative watchdog and helper leading the 25 districts. If I decide to run for (Seoul mayor), I will talk about what needs to be done."
Chong stated accordingly at a press briefing to mark the publication of the book "Seongsu-dong (How do cities become beloved?)," held on the afternoon of the same day at the PUBG Seongsu Lounge in Seongdong District.
Regarding a possible run, Chong also emphasized, "Next week we immediately have the district council's budget bill to handle and to finalize business plans. Once that is wrapped up, I think I will have time to consider whether to run for Seoul mayor, and I will make up my mind after careful thought."
Chong also mentioned a "plan to reduce disparities among areas in downtown Seoul." He said, "From the district chief's standpoint, a framework needs to be in place where the 25 districts compete." He went on, "The moment competition kicks in, each district will have no choice but to work hard," adding, "The Seoul city government should support, and the districts should have the capacity to follow that lead."
When asked to name a successful project by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Chong said, "I once served as head of the Seongdong District Walking Association, and in terms of encouraging citizens to walk more, 'Wrist Doctor 9988' was a good project."
On the Han River bus project pushed by Mayor Oh, Chong said, "Given the massive taxes spent, scrapping it would incur too great a sunk expense, and a contract has been signed with an operator, so simple cancellation is difficult," adding, "Some modifications may be needed, but converting it for tourism use would minimize losses." He continued, "In a recent YouTube video, a person running was faster than the Han River bus," and said, "As transportation, the Han River bus is finished."
Chong also said, regarding the redevelopment of Jongno's Sewoon District 4, which has recently sparked conflict, "It should be pursued while looking at the local context."
He then cited the development plan for Seongsu-dong as an example. Chong said, "Seongsu-dong had Special Planning Zones 1 through 5 organized to allow redevelopment," and added, "We judged that Zones 1 and 2 were very run-down and that redevelopment was necessary." He went on, "Zones 3, 4 and 5 became cafe streets through urban regeneration," adding, "Areas that needed development were developed, and those pursuing urban regeneration or remodeling were given incentives."
Regarding recent praise for him on social media (SNS) by President Lee Jae-myung, Chong said, "When he was Seongnam mayor and a governor, I had chances to meet him, and each time he remembered and praised good policies," adding, "I was grateful then, and I see this as an extension of that."