Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, said he will continue a subdued campaign in line with party guidelines following an explosion that occurred in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon.
Meeting with reporters in front of the north gate of Urim Market in Seoul on the afternoon of the 1st, Oh was asked about his position on the suspension of campaigning by Democratic Party candidate Jung Won-oh and others. "Our party's nationwide guideline is to refrain from loud noise such as campaign jingles and choreographed dances and to continue campaigning in a calm manner," Oh said. "Until there is a separate change, it is desirable to comply with the guideline and engage in a nationally unified campaign."
Regarding the postponement of a scheduled press briefing by the Seoul election campaign committee due to the aftermath of the accident, Oh explained, "With only two days left until the election, we had planned to organize the campaign committee's position, but given that an unexpected accident occurred, we judged that bringing our hearts together should come first."
Oh also reiterated his rebuttal that day to the "Seoul Discount" argument raised by candidate Jung. Earlier that morning, Jung had appealed, "Seoul must move toward Premium Seoul. Please bring an end to the era of Seoul Discount," adding, "Please pass judgment on safety complacency, incompetent and irresponsible administration, political strife, and showcase administration."
"Has the term 'Seoul Discount' ever been used before?" Oh said. "Using an unfamiliar term while talking as if I am the cause of it appears to be a far-fetched criticism."
He continued, "Rather, if a Democratic Party Seoul mayor is elected and loses momentum by criticizing city branding strategies or city marketing policies as showcase administration, the possibility of a Seoul Discount occurring is higher. If an unprepared, substandard candidate becomes Seoul mayor, that is when the Seoul Discount could begin."
