Seoul Candidate Jeong Yeon-o Pledges 'Safe Seoul,' Honors Guui Station Accident Victims

The Hankyoreh covers Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Yeon-o's campaign focus on 'a safe Seoul,' particularly his participation in the 10th-anniversary memorial for the Guui Station accident. This event, which tragically highlighted issues of outsourcing dangerous work and workplace safety, serves as a powerful backdrop for Jeong's platform.

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We will definitely create a Seoul where the right to work safely is guaranteed.

Jeong's pledge to ensure a safe working environment in Seoul directly addresses public concerns stemming from past industrial accidents. His criticism of the incumbent administration, led by Oh Se-hoon, for perceived safety oversights, such as the alleged cover-up of rebar omissions at the Samsung Station construction site, aims to draw a clear contrast. By signing the 'Life and Safety Citizen's Pledge' alongside other candidates, Jeong positions himself as a champion for citizens' fundamental safety rights.

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The Guui Station accident was a catalyst for many people to request solutions for the outsourcing of dangerous work and workplace safety issues.

His campaign strategy involves a targeted approach, emphasizing safety in both his messaging and his itinerary. After focusing on the affluent Gangnam district, Jeong shifted his campaign to the northern parts of Seoul and along the Han River, consistently highlighting his 'safe Seoul' initiative. His remarks questioning why major safety incidents occurred during Oh Se-hoon's tenure suggest a belief that these are not isolated events but symptoms of systemic neglect.

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I am curious as to why Oh Se-hoon did not respond to such an important agreement. I attended because I believe protecting the lives and safety of citizens is the first duty of a mayor.

Beyond workplace safety, Jeong's agenda includes urban renewal, promising expedited redevelopment for aging apartment complexes. This dual focus on immediate safety concerns and long-term urban planning reflects a comprehensive vision for Seoul's future. The Hankyoreh notes the opposition party's similar efforts to scrutinize the current administration's safety record, indicating that safety has become a central theme in the mayoral race. For Seoul citizens, Jeong's platform offers a vision of a city that prioritizes the well-being and security of its residents above all else.

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Why is it that during Mayor Oh Se-hoon's tenure, so many major safety incidents and casualties occurred? I believe it is not a coincidence but a structural problem caused by safety insensitivity.