Jun Ji-hye, a reporter at the finance desk of The Korea Times, focuses primarily on economic policy and government agencies, mainly covering the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Budget and Planning, the National Tax Service and the Korea Customs Service. She previously covered financial authorities, including the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service, and earlier worked on the political, city and business desks, reporting on a wide range of issues.
Seoul mayor vows to fill citizens' daily lives with revolution
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon speaks during a press conference marking the second anniversary of his term at Seoul City Hall, Monday. Yonhap
By Jun Ji-hye
Oh hints at amending controversial plan for 100-meter-tall flagpole
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon vowed to bring small but significant changes to the daily lives of citizens during his remaining two years in office.
At a press conference marking the second anniversary of his term, Monday, Oh called the initiative a “daily life revolution,” highlighting that improvements to the quality of life are day-to-day changes, rather than large-scale projects or establishments.
“Software revolution brings changes to everyday life that can be enjoyed by anyone,” Oh said. “I think this can change people’s lives and help them grow.”
As an example of a daily life revolution, the mayor cited self-driving nighttime buses that will be put into full-fledged operation in October.
“Those buses will change the daily lives of cleaning workers who leave their homes as early as 4 a.m.,” Oh said, noting that the bus service is just one case showing the city’s policy philosophy.
He also stressed the achievement of the all-inclusive monthly transit pass, called the Climate Card, which has proven successful during a trial run that began in January in an effort to reduce transportation fees and address climate change.
The pass exceeded 1 million cumulative sales in just 70 days of its launch, becoming one of the city’s landmark policies, and will go into full-fledged operation next month with more diverse choices, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
With regard to his plan to set up a 100-meter-tall pole flying a giant Korean national flag, the Taegeukgi, in Gwanghwamun Square, the mayor said, “I am a rational person who reacts to reasonable criticisms. I will keep my ears open.”
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The mayor announced the controversial plan during a meeting with Korean War veterans on June 25. But the proposal has faced growing doubts that the tall pole may end up as an outdated exhibition of nationalism.
This rendered image provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government shows a 100-meter-tall flagpole flying the Taegeukgi, or Korean national flag, at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
His latest comments were construed as signaling his willingness to amend the plan.
“There will be another opportunity soon to explain the plan more,” he said.
The mayor said the city government will give more efforts to address inequality by reducing the gap in income, education, leisure culture activities and health to eliminate discrimination that hinders the happiness of citizens.
He also vowed to fight record-low birthrate faced by the country as well as the capital.
“I will put the top priority on housing stability for newlyweds and offer the largest-ever quantity of long-term rental housing for them,” he said.
As he is categorized as a heavyweight of the ruling People Power Party, he was also asked about his intention to run in the 2027 presidential election. Regarding this, he drew the line, saying, “Citizens voted for me to serve as the mayor. It would be inappropriate to mention the presidential election in the middle of my term.”