Park Joomin and Jeon Hyunhee Intensely Scrutinize Jung Wonoh's Promises: "Why Thank Oh Sehoon?" and "Empty Promise"

Doubts Over Feasibility of “Practical Apartments” and “30-Minute Commuting City” Within One Term

Sewage Pipe Renovation and GPU Supply Pressed With Figures

Political Leanings Probed Over Remarks on Oh Sehoon and Court Verdict

On March 31, the Democratic Party of Korea's primary race for Seoul mayor focused more on verifying candidates' campaign pledges rather than scrutinizing their qualifications. The debate largely centered on Assembly members Park Jumin and Jeon Hyunhee questioning the feasibility and specificity of former Seongdong-gu District Chief Jeong Wono's policy promises.

The main primary debate for the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul mayoral candidates, hosted by MBC that day, felt almost like a policy audit for Jeong Wono. Assemblywoman Jeon Hyunhee, referring to Jeong's “practical apartment” pledge, pointed out, “The likelihood of delivering your practical apartments within your term is extremely low. It's practical in name only, and considering that redevelopment and reconstruction projects in Seoul currently take more than 10 years, even if groundbreaking is possible, actual delivery is impossible.”

From the left, Jeong Wono, Jeon Hyunhee, and Park Jumin, preliminary candidates for Seoul mayor from the Democratic Party of Korea, are taking a commemorative photo at the joint debate for the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul mayoral candidates held on March 31, 2026, at the new MBC building in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Corps, Yonhap News Agency

In response, Jeong Wono argued, “If it's necessary, we have to make it happen. Once I take office, I will adopt the strengths of existing approaches and create a supply method accordingly. If we do it that way, the first supply within my term will be possible.” Jeon Hyunhee retorted, “When reconstruction and redevelopment take over 10 years, how can it be possible within a single term?”

Assemblywoman Jeon also criticized Jeong's “30-minute commute city” pledge, saying, “It sounds good, but I think it’s an empty slogan.” She added, “You said you would reorganize bus routes for five-minute stops in front of every home, but in reality, it’s not easy to change Seoul's bus routes.” Jeong Wono replied, “Seoul has been working on bus route reorganization for almost two years but hasn’t been able to announce it. If we finalize and proceed, it can be done.” Regarding possible opposition from bus operators, Jeong stated, “Bus companies also agree that reorganization is necessary. In the end, the way to reorganize is through negotiations with bus companies.”

Assemblyman Park Jumin also challenged Jeong Wono's pledges. Park asked, “You emphasize safety and promised to repair 150 kilometers of old sewage pipes per year, but do you know how much Seoul City plans to repair?” When Jeong Wono failed to answer clearly, Park said, “200 kilometers,” and added, “As a candidate who prioritizes safety, it’s disappointing that your pledge falls short of what Seoul City plans to do.”

Assemblyman Park further assessed Jeong's capabilities by asking for specific plans on securing GPUs and electricity supply, which are essential for artificial intelligence (AI) and related industries. Jeong Wono responded by proposing “a subscription-based solar era” with a system that takes responsibility for after-sales management and maintenance. Regarding electricity supply, Jeong suggested, “Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon should form a megacity agreement to share their infrastructure resources.”

However, toward the end of the debate, Assemblyman Park also scrutinized Jeong Wono’s political views. Park pointed out, “At the end of last year, you expressed considerable gratitude towards current Mayor Oh Sehoon for his stance on rebellion and impeachment.” Jeong Wono clarified, “That was an expression of gratitude for his opposition to martial law on the day it was imposed.”

Jeong’s comments on the first trial verdict in former President Yoon Suk-yeol's insurrection case, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment, were also criticized. Park stated, “You initially said it reflected the will of the people when the court imposed a sentence lighter than the prosecutor’s demand, and even after revising your statement, you kept the phrase ‘reflected the will of the people’ until the end.”

In response, Jeong Wono explained, “At the time, the court delivered such an unexpected ruling that citizens were anxious. Even Judge Ji Guyoun’s bench found him guilty, so I regarded it as the will of the people.” He added, “I cannot agree with the grounds for mitigation. The maximum penalty should have been imposed.”

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