Jung Wono: "GTX Halved Rebar Construction, Major Disasters Inevitable During Oh Sehoon's Terms"

"Let's Transform Seoul from a City Indifferent to Safety"

Jung Wono, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, toured the northwestern districts of Seoul on the 23rd, the first weekend since the official election campaign began, in an effort to win over voters. He strongly criticized Oh Sehoon, the People Power Party candidate, labeling his administration as suffering from a "safety insensitivity," and continued his offensive by highlighting safety issues raised by the omission of rebar in the GTX construction project.

During a street campaign held in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, on this day, Jung referenced the rebar omission incident at the GTX Samseong Station section, stating, "The most important pillars were missing rebar, resulting in construction with only half the required reinforcement. Nevertheless, the Seoul Metropolitan Government allowed the construction to proceed despite knowing about this."

He went on to say, "What will we do if a major disaster occurs later? Who will take responsibility?" while mentioning the 1995 Sampoong Department Store collapse. He pointed out, "The main cause of that disaster was the use of only half the required rebar in construction."

Jung urged, "I hope Candidate Oh will go directly to Samseong Station and seek solutions. If not, he will be remembered as a mayor indifferent to safety, and the fact that major safety accidents have repeatedly occurred during Oh Sehoon's terms will prove it is not a coincidence, but inevitable."

Jung Wono, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Seoul mayor, is appealing for support during a campaign rally held in the Hongje-dong area of Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News.

He also listed the Itaewon disaster, the Umyeonsan landslide, the flooding near Gangnam Station, and the sinkhole accident in Gangdong-gu, saying, "We need to examine why such large-scale disasters keep happening during Mayor Oh's tenure," and added, "Isn't it time we change this culture of safety insensitivity?"

He appealed, "If we take preventive measures, accidents can be stopped. Let's transform Seoul from a city indifferent to safety into a city that puts safety first."

Regarding real estate issues, which have been the main focus of attacks from Oh, Jung highlighted his own "Steady Development" pledge and his promise to supply 360,000 housing units by 2031, stating, "I will deliver faster and more safely. Please replace a mayor who only talks with one who actually delivers results."

In another campaign speech in front of Hongje Station that afternoon, Jung targeted Oh again, saying, "Investing in safety is the way to improve citizens' lives."

He particularly criticized Oh for not visiting the site of the construction error at Samseong Station, saying, "Isn't it the duty of a candidate to visit the site, discuss what the problem is, and find solutions?"

He emphasized, "Voting is about re-electing those who work well so they can continue serving, and replacing those who do not. Don't you want to feel the sense of effectiveness by replacing Candidate Oh with Jung Wono, who will actually get things done?"

After his speech, Jung greeted citizens near Hongje Station and visited the Moa Town redevelopment site in Hyeonjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu.

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