Woo Sang-ho, Democratic Party's First Seoul Mayoral Candidate... "Will Provide Free Vaccines and Supply 160,000 Public Housing Units"

For the first task, overcoming the COVID-19 crisis is prioritized... Free vaccine supply to all Seoul citizens who want it once available
Separate government announcement pledges 160,000 public housing units in Seoul
"Final political challenge... Will not run in the next general election"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Woo Sang-ho, a four-term veteran lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on the 13th that he will run in the Seoul mayoral by-election scheduled for April next year. He is the first candidate from the Democratic Party.

Woo held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office that morning and stated, "Prepared Seoul Mayor Woo Sang-ho will overcome Seoul's crisis," explaining his candidacy.

He said, "Chaos must be stabilized. Daily life must be restored. Strong leadership is needed in times of crisis," adding, "Seoul is in an unprecedented situation. Due to the sudden vacancy caused by the previous mayor, city administration is in a state of suspension."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "The ability to solve current issues immediately without practice or training is necessary," emphasizing, "As the floor leader of the Democratic Party in 2016, I resolved the national turmoil during the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye. Having lived in Seoul for 20 years and served as a four-term lawmaker, I am well aware of most of Seoul's issues."

As the top priority task to solve as Seoul mayor, he cited overcoming the COVID-19 crisis. Woo presented "restoring comfortable daily life" as his first promise, stating, "I will innovatively strengthen the public healthcare system. Once a safe vaccine is available, it will be provided free of charge to all Seoul citizens who want it."

He also pledged to supply 160,000 public housing units in Seoul independently of the government’s announcements. Woo explained, "Cities where the real estate market is stable without exception have a public housing ratio ranging from 25% to 40%, but Seoul's ratio is less than 10%."

Additionally, he proposed pledges including ▲ undergrounding the above-ground section of Seoul Subway Line 1 ▲ balanced development between Gangnam and Gangbuk districts ▲ complete phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030 ▲ attracting Hong Kong financial investment institutions to Seoul.

Woo emphasized, "Running for Seoul mayor is my final political challenge," adding, "I will not use this as a stepping stone for my next position." He expressed strong determination, saying, "I will serve with a desperate mindset of 'Only Seoul, Only Citizens,' and under no circumstances will I run in the next National Assembly election. I will put everything into this election."

He further stated, "This Seoul mayoral by-election stands at a crossroads between protecting the values of democratic reform and completing the tasks of the Candlelight Revolution, or surrendering the leadership of history to vested conservative forces," appealing for party members' support by saying, "I will dedicate myself as the representative player for the successful conclusion of President Moon Jae-in’s administration and the Democratic Party’s return to power."

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