Jeong Wonoh: "Garden of Gratitude Should Move to Yongsan...Major Decision to Be Made on Han River Bus" (Comprehensive)

Campaign Resumes Protest Against "Garden of Gratitude"
Jung States Position on One-on-One Debate Request
Questions Pour In on Real Estate Policy Promises

Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, commented on the Garden of Gratitude on May 14, stating, "A plaza is, by definition, an open space, but this has become a structure that blocks it," and added, "A landmark should be created in line with its historical context, so the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan would be the right place for it."

Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, is answering questions from reporters at the Korea Newspaper Editors and Broadcasters Association Forum held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, at 10 a.m. on the 14th. Jung Won-oh candidate camp

At the Korea Newspaper Editors and Broadcasters Association Forum held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, at 10 a.m. on the same day, Jung said, "The sculpture of the Garden of Gratitude should be moved to the War Memorial to commemorate its meaning, and for the underground space, I intend to seek citizens' opinions on repurposing it for exhibitions related to King Sejong and the Korean alphabet, Hangeul."

The Garden of Gratitude was a major initiative promoted by Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, during his tenure as mayor. Construction began in November last year and continued for about six months. Starting today, the "Oh Se-hoon 10-Year Judgment Headquarters" under Jung's campaign will resume solo protests at Gwanghwamun Square in opposition to the completion of the Garden of Gratitude. The purpose is to scrutinize the entire implementation process and determine accountability. Lawmakers and Seoul Metropolitan Council members, including chief of the headquarters Ko Min-jung, campaign spokesperson Kim Dong-a, and campaign general situation director Chae Hyun-il, will participate.

Regarding the Han River buses in Seoul, Jung stated, "If it is true that the boats were structurally flawed from the outset, a major decision will be necessary," and added, "When comparing the potential safety risks to the sunk costs, I believe that the sunk costs would be a better option."

Jung also expressed his position on the one-on-one debate between Seoul mayoral candidates. Addressing Oh Se-hoon, he said, "Just a month ago, you said, 'TV debates are not everything. I can't agree with the frame that avoiding TV debates is cowardly,' yet now you are using that same argument," and continued, "It is hard to earn trust if your words change depending on the situation. Let me leave it at that."

He went on to say, "Besides today's debate, there are two more debates and one joint debate remaining, so I believe that in the remaining 20 days, we need to focus more on directly meeting citizens, including through these debates."

Most questions at the forum focused on real estate. Regarding the supply of housing in Seoul, Jung emphasized, "Right now, all efforts should be focused on increasing supply," and remarked, "It is a time to prioritize business feasibility."

He added, "For redevelopment and reconstruction, we will prioritize business feasibility, and then enhance public interest by increasing youth housing near subway stations, public rental housing, and urban-style residences. We will also expand the Seongdong-gu Safe Coexistence Dormitory model citywide to resolve youth housing issues."

He concluded, "If there are differences of opinion with the government, as mayor I will communicate closely with the government and view things from the perspective of citizens and their protection."

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