Oh Se-hoon: "'Hangang Park Drinking Restrictions' Will Not Be Implemented Immediately... Will Be Enforced After Gathering Opinions"

"Public Transportation Fare Increase Needed but Management Rationalization Must Come First... Not Timely Due to COVID-19"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is speaking at a press conference with reporters held at Seoul City Hall on the 17th, marking one month since his inauguration. / Provided by Seoul City Hall

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced plans to implement regulations on drinking at Hangang Park after a sufficient period of public consultation. Regarding the increase in public transportation fares, he acknowledged the necessity but emphasized that management rationalization should take priority.

On the 17th, during a press conference held at Seoul City Hall marking one month since his inauguration, Mayor Oh said, "Given the drinking culture, can we uniformly prohibit drinking in public places?" He added, "We will have a campaign period of six months to one year, conduct forums and public hearings, gather opinions from experts across various fields, and implement the policy after ample discussion."

According to the amended National Health Promotion Act, effective from the 30th of next month, local governments can designate public places as no-drinking zones and impose fines for violations. In Seoul’s case, similar provisions were already included in the 2017 ordinance and can be enforced through amendments. Mayor Oh stated, "The law will be implemented soon, but whether the restriction on drinking in public places will mean a complete ban or moderation requires further discussion."

Regarding the increase in public transportation fares, he expressed a negative stance. Mayor Oh said, "I acknowledge the necessity of raising public transportation fares, but it is unfavorable to increase fares when the prices of daily necessities are also rising." He added, "There are definitely areas that Seoul Transportation Corporation and others can address through management rationalization."

He continued, "Based on the reports I received, there has not been a desirable effort toward management rationalization," and said, "I have ordered them to make renewed efforts." He emphasized, "Many citizens have been hit hard by COVID-19, so considering a fare increase is not timely; it is not a good time from a common-sense perspective." Seoul Transportation Corporation recorded a net loss of 1.1137 trillion won last year, and this year’s funding shortfall is expected to reach 1.6 trillion won.

Meanwhile, Mayor Oh shared that preparations are underway to implement the '4-No Loan' pledge, which was a campaign promise during his candidacy, targeting a June launch. He explained, "The framework includes no collateral, no guarantor, no interest, and minimal paperwork, with a maximum loan of 100 million won, a one-year grace period, and repayment over four years in installments." He added, "The plan is to disburse 2 trillion won in loans, but some preparation is needed."

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