| Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (Seoul Metropolitan Government) |
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon delivered his New Year’s address Tuesday, the last day of 2024, outlining his administration’s achievements in the last year as well as ambitious goals for 2025.
The mayor emphasized his vision of transforming crises into opportunities and building a more livable, globally admired city, while stressing deregulation as the key to revitalizing Seoul’s economy and society.
In his speech, Oh reflected on how Seoul has weathered various crises and positioned itself as a resilient city.
“Seoul is a city that rises above challenges by turning them into opportunities,” he said, referring to ongoing political turmoil, economic uncertainty and declining global credibility.
Oh declared that 2025 would be a year of bold reforms, innovation and renewed momentum, saying, “With our DNA of innovation and progress, we will create a Seoul that is respected around the world.”
Oh mentioned his administration's achievements since his return to office in 2022, following his victory in the Seoul mayoral by-election.
Among the city’s key initiatives, Oh referenced the “Stepping-stone Income Program,” aimed at promoting self-sufficiency instead of dependency. The program has reported early results, with 31 percent of participating households seeing an increase in earned income, according to Oh.
Another notable project is “Seoul Learn,” an online platform providing free, high-quality private educational content to over 30,000 low-income students, which has gained traction nationwide.
Additionally, Oh noted the popularity of the “Newlywed Housing Expansion Plan My House in Advance” program, which is designed to help newlyweds secure affordable housing amid soaring property costs. The initiative allows participants to rent housing units with deposits of up to 80 percent of the market rate, easing the financial burden on young couples. The scheme has gained widespread interest, with maximum application rates reaching as high as 216:1, at an average of 55:1.
Seoul’s global recognition has also seen a boost under Oh’s leadership, the mayor stressed.
In 2024, the city of Seoul rose to sixth place in the Global Power City Index, up from seventh in 2023. The index evaluates cities based on competitiveness in areas such as economy, research and development, livability and accessibility.
This achievement was driven in part by the city’s bold investments in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and robotics, as well as its efforts to transform areas like Yongsan-gu, Magok-dong and Yangjae-dong into global economic hubs, according to Oh.
Oh also mentioned other initiatives, including the eco-friendly Hangang River Bus services set to launch in March 2025, the Climate Companion Card, which reached 1 million sales within 70 days of its launch in January, the Seoul Outdoor Library, which attracted 3.2 million visitors this year, and the Seoul International Garden Show 2024, which drew 7.8 million people.
The mayor additionally outlined plans to further strengthen Seoul as a global innovation hub. By fostering collaboration between government, private enterprises and universities, Oh's administration aims to drive advancements in AI, biotech and robotics. “AI will be at the center of future technological revolutions, and Seoul will lead this transformation,” Oh said.
Closing his address, Oh admitted to challenges remaining in the city, including youth unemployment, housing shortages and senior poverty. While there is no immediate solution to these issues, the mayor vowed his commitment to addressing their root causes through bold deregulation and fostering economic vitality. “Together, when we collaborate and innovate, Seoul will not only withstand any challenge, but rise even higher,” he said.
| Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon pays his respects to victims of Sunday's Jeju Air plane crash, at a joint memorial set up next to the main entrance of Seoul City Hall, Tuesday. (Seoul Metropolitan Government) |
Meanwhile, Oh expressed regret on Tuesday over the Jeju Air crash in Muan, South Jeolla Province, which claimed 179 lives on Sunday.
“I extend my profound condolences to those affected and their families. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will stand with the people during this difficult time and provide full support.”
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