Join us for a conversation with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon moderated by The Korea Society President & CEO Tom Byrne. This interview is reintroduced under 'Local Leadership in a Global Context,' to unveil fresh perspectives in this newly announced series. Mayor Oh assesses topical issues facing Seoul, including his approach to the city’s comprehensive institutional frameworks as well as the development of public policies. Mayor Oh also shares his vision and insights on the future role of Seoul in the realm of science, technology, and finance and the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance in shaping Seoul as a globally competitive metropolis.
This program was recorded at Seoul City Hall when President Byrne recently visited South Korea.
Interview with Seoul Mayor
Oh Se-hoon
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 | 6 PM (EST)
The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
H.E. Oh Se-hoon
Mayor of Seoul
Oh Se-hoon worked as a lawyer before entering into politics after being elected as a member of the Korean National Assembly in 2000 at the age of 40. He is known for leading the legislative process of the Political Reform Law, also referred to as the “Oh Se-hoon Law”, which was helpful in establishing a transparent election culture in Korea.
During his terms as the 33rd and 34th Mayor of Seoul from 2006 to 2010, he introduced “Creative Governance” in city administration and implemented the “Women Happiness” project, which led to Seoul receiving two UN Public Service Awards in 2009.
He adopted “Design Seoul” policies to raise city competitiveness, and Seoul was designated as the UNESCO World Design Capital in 2010. His “SHift” policy, which is a long-term rental housing policy for the middle class and particularly for those who are not homeowners, was recognized by the UN as an exemplary urban housing policy.
Also in 2010, he initiated the founding of WeGO, the World e-Government Organization (World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization), the aim of which is to facilitate exchanges and cooperation among cities in the world to ensure sustainable development in the future. He served as WeGO’s first President.
Later, as a member of an advisory group for KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), he traveled to Lima, Peru and Kigali, Rwanda to actively promote Seoul’s best practices in city administration to developing countries. He is currently serving as the 38th Mayor of Seoul, and is focused not only on leading swift and effective measures to tackle COVID-19, but also on putting Seoul alongside globally competitive top cities in the world with special emphasis on developing cutting-edge science and technology and the international financial industry.