[New Year's Address] Oh Se-hoon "Will Make Seoul Safe"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, "We will create a safe urban environment where Seoul citizens can go anywhere at any time with peace of mind" to welcome the new year 2023.

In his New Year's address announced on the 31st, Mayor Oh stated, "I feel a heavy responsibility as the mayor of Seoul, who is responsible for the lives and safety of citizens, regarding the Itaewon tragedy where 158 people tragically lost their lives and damage to life and property occurred due to record-breaking heavy rain last summer."

He continued, "With a mindset to start anew, we will review related laws and systems and make every effort possible until all citizens fully recover their daily lives."

Mayor Oh emphasized, "The year 2023 will be the first year of a full-fledged leap and takeoff toward 'Companion and Charming Special City Seoul.' We will vigorously move forward to make Seoul the most trendy and attractive city in the world by thoroughly caring for and accompanying the vulnerable in our society."

To this end, he explained that by creating Seoul Port, a giant Ferris wheel, and a water art stage, the Han River will be established as Seoul’s representative tourist attraction and brand, opening an era of 30 million overseas tourists.

He also said that Seoul will be elevated as an Asian financial hub by establishing the Seoul Startup Hub Scale-up Center (Gangnam), the 2nd Seoul Fintech Lab (Mapo), and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Support Center (Yangjae). Along with this, regarding 'accompanying the vulnerable,' he promised to expand the pilot project for guaranteed income, build a dense housing safety net, triple the target for subscription to the jeonse deposit return guarantee, and fully support bus fares regardless of disability grades.

Mayor Oh mentioned the four-character idiom Kyoto Samgul (狡兎三窟), meaning "a clever rabbit digs three burrows to thoroughly prepare for future dangers," and pledged, "To strictly keep promises to citizens, we have made thorough preparations like a wise rabbit. I will run with all my strength for Seoul."

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