[This Person] Moon Seok-jin, Seodaemun-gu Mayor, Facing a 'Political Golden Age'?

On the afternoon of the 26th, ahead of the 102nd March 1st Movement Anniversary, Kim Won-woong, President of the Liberation Association, presented the '1st Minjok Spirit Award' at the Gwangbok Hall in Yeouido, Seoul... U Sang-ho, a candidate for Seoul mayor, declared he will not run for the 22nd National Assembly... Mayor Moon is likely to finish his term next year and possibly enter the next National Assembly, signaling a politically golden era.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Moon Seok-jin, the mayor of Seodaemun-gu, is drawing attention with his bright smile.

On the afternoon of the 26th, ahead of the 102nd anniversary of the March 1st Movement, Mayor Moon received the ‘1st National Spirit Award’ from Kim Won-woong, president of the Liberation Association, at the Liberation Hall in Yeouido, Seoul.

The Liberation Association stated, “Mayor Moon was selected as the awardee in recognition of his contributions since July 2010 as mayor, honoring the spirit of independence, strengthening support for independence activists, and fostering patriotism among the younger generation.”

Specific projects include promoting the March 1st Movement commemorative projects, hosting the Seodaemun Independence and Democracy Festival, constructing the public rental housing ‘Nara Sarangchae’ for independence activists and their families, expanding and restoring the Seodaemun Prison History Hall historic site, and supporting research on independence movement history.

In his acceptance speech, Mayor Moon said, “Thanks to the patriots who devoted themselves to the country, the Republic of Korea exists today,” adding, “I will continue to remember and commemorate their history to enhance the historical value and meaning of independence and pass it on to the next generation.”

Additionally, Mayor Moon, who took office as the 5th elected mayor of Seodaemun-gu and served until 2021 during the 7th term, is regarded as a mayor who made a significant mark on Seodaemun’s administration over 11 years.

Considering difficult financial conditions, he has demonstrated a model of community building by implementing projects such as the ‘100 Families Embrace Project,’ which helps neighbors in need through local residents and religious organizations.

Since taking office as mayor of Seodaemun-gu, Mayor Moon has achieved major accomplishments including the creation of Ansan Jarak-gil Trail, the establishment of a car-free street in Sinchon, and fostering a clean and transparent public service atmosphere.

In particular, he has been praised as the ‘most honest mayor ever’ by not only Seodaemun-gu office employees but also residents.

He has also been active externally, serving as chairman of the Seoul Association of District Mayors, chairman of the National Lifelong Learning Cities Association, and chairman of the National Social Solidarity Economy Local Governments Association.

Politically enjoying a golden age, Mayor Moon’s active engagements have increased prospects for his entry into the 22nd National Assembly.

Following Woo Sang-ho, a member of the National Assembly who is running for the Seoul mayoral by-election on April 7 and has declared he will not run for the 22nd National Assembly, Mayor Moon’s chances of entering the National Assembly are growing.

Mayor Moon, a three-term mayor, is expected to face candidates such as former Seoul City Council Chairman Shin Won-chul and Democratic Party floor leader Jo Sang-ho in next year’s local elections.

Notably, Mayor Moon is a regional politician with a strong local base, receiving great trust and support from political elders in the area such as former Minister of Industry and Resources Jang Jae-sik.

Meanwhile, former mayors who were close to Mayor Moon during their tenure as Seoul district mayors, including Kim Seong-hwan of Nowon-gu who has already become a two-term National Assembly member, as well as Kim Young-bae of Seongbuk-gu and Lee Hae-sik of Gangdong-gu, have also entered the National Assembly.

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