Oh Se-hoon Wipes Away Tears at Final Sinchon Rally: "I Will Restore the Ladder of Social Mobility"

Final Campaign Rally at Sinchon Station on the Eve of Local Elections

"Your Expectations Weigh Heavily on Me as a Deep Responsibility"

"Seoul, Toward a City of Pride... Guiding the Government Onto the Right Path"

"Twenty years ago, when I first entered politics, I was afraid to visit university neighborhoods. It was because there were always protests against me. But this time, every time I went to a university, I drew strength and came back energized thanks to all of you. What gave me the most energy was the encouragement and support expressed by so many young people wherever I went."

On June 2, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, chose Star Square at Sinchon Station—a symbol of youth—as the venue for his final campaign rally, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the younger generation. Standing on stage with the citizens’ election committee chairs, Oh wiped away tears as he listened to Seomun Min-kyung, one of the chairs, describe how, despite a difficult family environment, she was able to attend a four-year university in Seoul through the city’s educational welfare program, 'Seoul Learn.'

On the 2nd, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, appeals for support during the final campaign rally held at Star Square near Sinchon Station in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

After receiving the microphone, Oh stated, "I do not make promises I cannot keep. Five years ago, I promised to build a Seoul that stands with the vulnerable. Since then, I established the Vulnerable Support Index and have managed over 50 welfare policies to ensure they are operated without neglect."

Oh, who had consistently emphasized the goal of making Seoul a 'Global Top 3 City' throughout his campaign, visited Sinchon—a hub for young people—just four hours before the end of the campaign period, underscoring his intention to conclude the campaign alongside the youth. This was also his final appeal for the support of the young generation, who will shape Seoul’s future.

Oh repeatedly expressed regret to the youth, saying he felt a heavy sense of responsibility for the current reality in which the ladder of social mobility is collapsing. "I believe that your active and enthusiastic support is rooted in the expectations you have for me," he said. "Korea has now become a society where the ladder of social mobility is gradually disappearing and is completely broken."

He added, "A society where people are rewarded according to their efforts, a society where you can have hope of reaching higher—such a society is growing more distant. As I witness your dreams slipping away, I accept your expectations with the utmost sense of responsibility. I promise to restore the ladder of social mobility firmly and without fail."

On the 2nd, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, appealed for support at the final rally held at Star Square near Sinchon Station in Seodaemun District, Seoul. Oh's campaign team

On the final day of the campaign, Oh toured the western districts of Seoul wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with 'Global TOP3,' and he appeared on stage at the final rally in the same attire. "Seoul has only just laid the groundwork for a major leap forward," he said. "We have risen to 6th place in the global city competitiveness rankings, and 3rd place is now within reach."

He continued, "On the foundation of the past five years, during which Seoul has realized its immense potential, we will achieve an even greater leap. We will make Seoul a city of inclusive growth, where not only the privileged but also the socially vulnerable and young people can grow together—not just a city for the already successful."

Oh also targeted the real estate policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration and called for support to keep the ruling party in check. "It is hard for young people to have hope for the future, but for the socially disadvantaged, the disappearance of security deposit rental listings and soaring monthly rents must be causing sleepless nights," he said. "Have you ever seen the president reflect and apologize? I, Oh Se-hoon, will protect Seoul and ensure that the housing policy is changed."

Oh concluded, "The meaning of tomorrow’s election is to make Seoul—a city now equipped with a springboard for a leap forward—one of the world’s top three most proud cities within four years, and to entrust me with the strength to guide a misguided president back onto the right path. Please help me. Let’s create a bright future for Seoul and for Korea together."

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