Lee Seungman Memorial Hall Moves to Yongsan... Oh Se-hoon Says "Songhyeon Square Faces Buddhist Community Resistance"

Possibility of Presidential Bid Shows "Slight Progress"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon explained that the site for the Lee Seung-man Memorial Hall was decided to be Yongsan Park in Seoul because "(Songhyeon Park) location was thoroughly reviewed, but there was opposition from the Buddhist community."

In a YTN radio interview on the 14th, Mayor Oh said, "The leading candidate site that had been seriously considered was actually Songhyeon Square," adding, "Right next to it is the headquarters of the Taego Order of Buddhism, but there was a strong sense of rejection from the Buddhist community due to the perception that former President Lee Seung-man was not favorable toward Buddhism."

Earlier, the Lee Seung-man Presidential Memorial Foundation held a temporary board meeting on the 13th and decided to build the Lee Seung-man Presidential Memorial Hall at Yongsan Family Park next to the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu. Mayor Oh added, "It seems they judged that it would be better to start construction quickly and complete it as soon as possible," and "So, I understand that the location was moved from Songhyeon to Yongsan."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the possibility of a presidential bid, he showed a cautious response, saying it has "progressed a little." Mayor Oh said, "Even though I have persistently received related questions several times, I have always said the possibility is about fifty-fifty," adding, "This month marks the halfway point of my term. I said there has been some progress from 50-50, but I have not made a decision yet." When asked if he has made a decision, he emphasized, "Yes, it is 51%."

As a competitive advantage compared to People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, he cited his extensive 'comprehensive administrative' experience. Mayor Oh said about Han, "He has spent his entire career in the investigative field," adding, "Seoul city administration covers everything except defense. I am serving as the fourth mayor of Seoul and have accumulated a lot of trial-and-error experience through comprehensive administration, which could be a difference and a distinguishing factor."

Mayor Oh also strongly expressed his intention to host the second Seoul Olympics in 2036. He said, "I had a fairly deep conversation with IOC President Bach, who said he would not seek another term, so we have to persuade the new president, and it was shared with IOC members that Seoul is in a very favorable position."

He pointed out as Seoul’s strengths that no additional facility investment is needed and that the timing fits the approximately 50-year 're-hosting cycle.' Mayor Oh said, "The deficit is a problem, but Seoul has already hosted the games once, and the Jamsil Sports and MICE complex will be completed a few years before the event by 2031. Since no further facility investment is needed, it will inevitably be profitable, and I will promote this sufficiently," adding, "Usually, other countries re-host after 50 years, and 2036 will be the 48th year since Seoul hosted the Olympics."

He predicted that major competitors would be India and Indonesia. Mayor Oh said, "India has never hosted the Olympics before, so they have a legitimate claim, making it a tough competition," but added, "On the other hand, since we have built a good reputation by hosting international events, I believe it will not necessarily be very difficult."

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