Who Says There Is a Shortage of Opposition Figures?... Lee Hye-hoon Announces Seoul Mayoral Candidacy

Lee Hye-hoon Proposes Economic Solutions Including Real Estate
Park Chun-hee and Kim Seon-dong Officially Declare Candidacy
Lee Jin-bok Challenges for Busan Mayor Position

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former lawmakers Lee Hye-hoon and Lee Jin-bok from the People Power Party have officially announced their candidacies for next year's Seoul and Busan mayoral elections, respectively. On the afternoon of the 19th, both will present their campaign pledges under the theme "How to Win the Seoul and Busan Mayoral Elections" at the "For a Better World" (Mapo Forum). As senior opposition politicians continue to declare their bids for the by-elections, first-term lawmakers of the People Power Party are also actively pursuing candidacies for the Seoul mayoral race, heating up the by-election atmosphere.

Former lawmaker Lee Hye-hoon said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "At the Mapo Forum, I will explain why Lee Hye-hoon and present two to three pledges," adding, "I will focus on housing policies for young people, newlyweds, and couples raising children." She continued, "The Moon Jae-in administration caused housing prices to rise too much, making it difficult for many to own a home. I will focus on how to help these people," explaining, "I will propose solutions divided into two tracks: private supply and public supply."

The biggest issue in this election is undoubtedly the real estate problem, as apartment prices have skyrocketed and the jeonse (key money deposit) crisis is severe. Former lawmaker Lee plans to criticize the government's real estate and tax policies, present his vision, and highlight his strengths. Lee, a former Korea Development Institute (KDI) researcher and three-term lawmaker, is considered a leading 'economic expert' within the party.

So far, in the opposition camp, former Songpa District Mayor Park Chun-hee has declared her candidacy for Seoul mayor, and former Secretary-General Kim Sun-dong is expected to officially announce his bid on the 25th. Former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, who left the Democratic Party, hinted at a possible run during the People Power Party's first-term lawmakers' study group "Myeongbulheojeon Conservative" the day before, saying, "I am seriously considering it with a sense of responsibility." Other potential Seoul mayoral candidates include lawmakers Kwon Young-se, Park Jin, former lawmakers Kim Yong-tae, Na Kyung-won, Oh Shin-hwan, Seocho District Mayor Cho Eun-hee, and Yeouido Institute Director Ji Sang-wook.

There is also speculation that first-term lawmakers of the People Power Party might receive surprise nominations for the Seoul mayoral candidacy. Within the party, voices are emerging that fresh and capable figures, rather than veteran lawmakers, should be nominated for this election. On the 19th, lawmaker Heo Eun-ah mentioned Yoon Hee-suk and Kim Woong on MBC Radio, stating, "I understand that other first-term lawmakers are also continuously being recommended."

Former lawmaker Lee Jin-bok will also appear at the Mapo Forum ahead of his candidacy announcement in Busan on the 23rd. In a phone interview, he emphasized, "To create future growth engines for Busan, we need to change the industrial structure," adding, "About 7,000 to 8,000 young people leave every year, but we must make it a city they return to." He continued, "The most important thing is the presidential election," saying, "Busan is a key battleground in the next presidential election. I will unite the scattered public opinion in Busan to create a foothold for regime reestablishment." For the Busan mayoral race, former lawmaker Park Min-sik officially declared his candidacy on the 9th, followed by names such as lawmaker Seo Byung-soo, former election committee chairman Park Hyung-joon, and former lawmakers Yoo Ki-joon, Yoo Jae-joong, and Lee Eon-ju.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.