Seoul Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs 'Oh Se-hoon's Trusted Aide' Kang Cheol-won Appointed as Special Advisor for Public Communication

Established Connection as Mayor Oh's Advisor in 2000
Served as Special Advisor for Future Strategy and Special Communication Envoy for Misaeng

Kang Cheol-won, Nominee for Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Kang Cheol-won, Special Advisor for Public Communication, was appointed as the new Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs of Seoul on the 17th. He is known as a close aide and trusted confidant of Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

The Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs assists the mayor by coordinating and negotiating Seoul city affairs with the National Assembly, the Seoul Metropolitan Council, and the media. This position is a political post equivalent to a vice-minister level, appointed by the mayor. Kang will be officially appointed once the Police Agency’s background check and other appointment procedures are completed.

Kang first connected with Mayor Oh Se-hoon in 2000 when Oh entered the National Assembly, serving as his aide. During Oh’s first term as mayor, Kang held key positions including Public Relations Planning Officer and Director of Political Coordination. Even when Oh resigned amid the free school meals controversy in 2011 and was out of office, Kang resigned alongside him and continued to support him closely.

Kang returned in 2021 as Special Advisor for Future Strategy. Last year, he served as Chief of Staff, overseeing the election campaign. In July of the same year, he was appointed Special Advisor for Public Communication.

Kang is regarded as loyal and serious in his work, known for making precise decisions. He is also praised for communicating kindly and openly with staff members.

A Seoul city official said, "Based on his many strengths, Kang is expected to contribute to realizing the key values of the 8th elected Seoul administration, such as 'walking with the vulnerable' and 'creative governance,' and to deliver tangible results that citizens can feel."

Meanwhile, Oh Shin-hwan, the current Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs, will resign on the 19th to run in next year’s general election. Oh is a member of the People Power Party who served as the 7th Seoul Metropolitan Council member and as a National Assembly member for Seoul Gwanak District in the 19th and 20th sessions. He was appointed in August last year.

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