Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, pushed back Wednesday against Democratic Party candidate Jung Won-oh's claim that campaign rallies featuring former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye represent a "Korea discount," calling it an excessive political attack reflecting anxiety as poll numbers swing in the final stretch of the race.
"I think Candidate Jung made such remarks because he feels burdened, and the effect reflects his anxiety as approval ratings fluctuate in the final stretch of the election," Oh said during a campaign stop in front of Exit 2 of Wolgok Station in Seoul's Seongbuk District on Wednesday morning.
Earlier, Jung had sharpened his attack by referring to the campaign appearances of former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, saying the People Power Party was bringing back forces from the past that had caused the "Korea discount." Oh drew a line, saying, "The former presidents are helping with the election, and roles are being well distributed." He added, "While we approach the election with policies and messages, having supporters voice their opinions at the level of central politics is also a necessary part of election strategy."
Oh repeatedly stressed that the essence of local elections lies in administration affecting people's daily lives. "Local elections are about local administration, which is distant from central politics," he said, dismissing Jung's framing offensive. "Issues related to everyday administration are the main concern."
He also strongly criticized the "old guard frame" raised by Jung. "Seoul citizens will not entrust Seoul to a candidate who falls short and is unprepared," Oh said. "This is not the time for verbal tricks." Targeting Jung for participating in only one of the legally mandated televised debates, Oh said, "Watching him avoid debates, I wonder whether even Democratic Party supporters might withdraw their support." He added, "He himself has eloquently shown voters his lack of preparation."
On his all-out push in the final two days before the election, Oh laid out his last-minute strategy to win over voters. "Over the next two days, I will visit all 25 autonomous districts in Seoul without missing a single one and meet even one more citizen," he said. "I will approach this with the determination to comb through every corner without leaving any blind spots."
