Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon kicked off a series of book concerts on Saturday at the Youth Culture Center JU in Mapo-gu’s vibrant Hongdae district. The events, held in three sessions at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., position residents as ‘system designers’ shaping the city’s operational framework.
Event Focuses on Policy Priorities
During the book concerts, the mayor highlights the urgency of clear policy priorities amid the election season. He draws from past initiatives, including discussions at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) construction briefing. There, merchants from Noh Rangwa and Seongsu-dong shared insights on shifting population and business trends, sparking the ‘Dialogue with Citizens’ policy.
At the DDP event, the mayor earned bipartisan praise for rejecting ‘exhibition-style administration.’ He explained how addressing public fears fostered a realization of greater citizen autonomy. For Seongsu-dong’s challenges, including water tax disputes with Suwon, officials described innovative survival strategies emphasizing harmony and chief coordination.
Global Insights and Conservative Values
Direct participation experiences also feature prominently, such as a visit to Rwanda arranged through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) volunteer program. The mayor plans to spotlight the theme: ‘Placing ladders of opportunity in impoverished areas embodies conservative values.’
To around 1,200 attendees at the 1,200-seat venue, he emphasized, ‘Your voices become the voice of your neighborhood mayor.’
No Re-election Announcement Amid Speculation
Despite ongoing speculation, the book concerts include no formal declaration of candidacy for Seoul mayor. Aides confirm the gatherings aim to share policy lessons rather than serve political purposes.
The mayor’s chief of staff noted no internal tensions or concerns from deputies. A related official added, ‘Political book launches often appear as tax displays or backdoor fundraising. These events prioritize genuine communication and citizen sympathy, free from bias or penalties.’
