All-out Battle for Seoul's Votes

In the Seoul mayoral election, the biggest battleground of the June 3 local elections, the ruling and opposition parties have launched their final all-out campaigns, advocating 'government support' and 'real estate judgment.' The outcome of the Seoul mayoral election is drawing attention for its potential impact on the national approval ratings of both parties and future political dynamics.

The Democratic Party emphasized cooperation with the central government, arguing that the Seoul mayoralty should also be held by the Democratic Party. The People Power Party criticized the government's failed real estate policies to win over voters. Democratic Party's General Standing Election Committee Chairman Jung Chung-rae held a campaign event greeting commuters alongside candidate Jeong Won-o. People Power Party's Standing Election Committee Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok also visited markets and streets across Seoul to appeal for support.

People Power Party Standing Election Committee Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok appealed for support ahead of the June 3 local elections. He cited the 'triple crisis' (high inflation, high interest rates, high exchange rates) and claimed that Seoul apartment prices have risen more than they did during the Moon Jae-in administration. He added that the prices of jeonse (lump-sum deposits for housing) and monthly rent have also surged, creating a situation where people cannot sell their homes even if they want to, nor buy them if they wish. Chairman Jang expressed concern that the increase in property ownership tax and the abolition of the special deduction for long-term holding could occur after the local elections. He criticized the remark by the Presidential Office's chief policy advisor that 'difficulty in making a living is the cost of success' as an arrogant notion.

The People Power Party focused on highlighting the current government's failed real estate policies, targeting the sentiment of Seoul voters. Chairman Jang appealed for votes to hold the current administration accountable. This was Chairman Jang's first campaign visit to Seoul since the official election period began.

A Seoul mayoral candidate poll conducted on June 19-20 showed a close race within the margin of error, with candidate Jeong receiving 41.7% and candidate Oh receiving 41.6%, a difference of 0.1 percentage points. The poll was conducted by Ace Research at the request of Newsis, surveying 1,002 men and women aged 18 and over residing in Seoul, with a response rate of 5.5%.

The intense focus by both parties on the Seoul mayoral election underscores its significance as the biggest battleground of this election. Both parties made full efforts to gain the support of Seoul citizens based on their respective key pledges. This is expected to have a considerable impact on the future national political landscape.