Park Young-sun Gaining Confidence, Says at Namdaemun Campaign Rally "A New Wind Blows in the Battle of Red Cliffs"

Promise of Half-Price Youth Telecom Fees with Seoul Declaration
Supporting Lawmakers Campaign: "Democratic Party Made Mistakes, But Don't Vote for Oh Se-hoon"

Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, is giving a speech appealing for support at a focused campaign rally held on the 2nd in Namdaemun, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] “A new wind is blowing through the Battle of Red Cliffs since yesterday. I can feel it clearly.”

Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party of Korea’s candidate for Seoul mayor, said this during a concentrated campaign rally at Namdaemun Market in Seoul on the first day of early voting for the by-election on the 2nd, noting that the atmosphere is changing. Park emphasized, “While doing a broadcast interview, many people passed by giving thumbs up, which surprised the interviewer as well,” and added, “The voices saying ‘Cheer up’ to me have been growing louder since last night.” She continued, “We will win. We have made mistakes, but we will reflect and work harder.”

Democratic Party lawmakers who came out to support the campaign showed a humble attitude by saying “The Democratic Party did wrong,” but urged people not to vote for the opposing candidate, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party. Lawmaker Kang Deuk-gu said, “People say it’s Park Young-sun, but maybe the Democratic Party needs to be scolded once. I came here reflecting on that. I won’t make excuses,” but appealed, “Still, you need to vote for someone who can properly manage Seoul’s administration.” Lawmaker Kim Sung-joo also said, “The People Power Party calls this election a referendum on the government. We admit our mistakes and will reflect and do better,” but emphasized, “However, this election is a referendum on Oh Se-hoon. We must judge Oh Se-hoon and restore democracy once again.” Lawmaker Hong Ik-pyo criticized, “Oh Se-hoon’s Seoul City has already been judged. He fought over children’s lunch bowls and then gave up the mayor’s office and left,” adding, “I guarantee that if he becomes mayor, he will kick out the Seoul mayor next year and run for president.”

Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, is appealing for support from citizens during a focused campaign rally held on the 2nd in Namdaemun, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On the same day, Park announced the “Seoul Declaration” policy pledge, proposing “half-price youth communication fees.” She said, “For young people struggling with employment difficulties and living expenses, monthly communication fees of 50,000 to 60,000 won are a huge barrier and burden,” and announced, “We will provide a data voucher allowing 5GB of data usage every month to young people aged 19 to 24 in Seoul.”

She continued, “Data is an essential resource for young people to live as members of society in the untact and non-face-to-face era caused by COVID-19,” and emphasized, “The data voucher will be a small but reliable support for young people who worry about fees every time they turn on data.” Regarding Seoul City’s financial situation, she raised the possibility of implementation by saying, “It is possible. This is an investment.”

After the rally, Park met with reporters and explained the funding method, saying, “The data voucher requires about 50 billion won annually,” and “Seoul City’s current surplus tax revenue is calculated to be 1.35 trillion won. We will spend 1 trillion won on disaster relief funds and need to compose a portfolio on how to use the remaining 350 billion won. It is fully coverable.” She also added, “If we negotiate with data communication companies, a method can be found.”

Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, receives a bouquet from a local resident during a focused campaign rally held on the 2nd in Namdaemun, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

The site was bustling with supporters and reporters that day. Supporters brought flags with caricatures of Park’s face and planted them at the rally site, and some held hand placards reminiscent of idol cheering, saying, “Young-sun, let’s go to the mayor’s office, we will unite and cheer for you.” After Park finished the rally, someone personally placed a wreath made of blue flowers around her neck. Park said, “Since morning, more people have been telling me they voted after receiving my business card. The atmosphere has changed significantly since yesterday. More people are directly expressing their support.”

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