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Articles by Kim Doo Il
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Critiques Impeachment of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae
On the morning of October 29, as a budget briefing was concluding at Seoul City Hall, Mayor Oh Se-hoon responded confidently to reporters' questions regarding the national investigation and impeachment efforts against Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae. He criticized the ruling party for attempting to treat the judiciary as a tool of governance rather than recognizing it as a pillar of the separation of powers. The budget briefing quickly transformed into a political discussion about the limits of power.
Oh Se-hoon Advocates for 2027 World Youth Day in Central Seoul
Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, has expressed a strong desire for the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) to be held in the heart of the city next August. However, the basic support plan from the Seoul city government includes the Seoul Airport in Seongnam as a potential venue for the overnight prayer with the Pope and the closing mass, drawing attention to the final venue discussions.
Where Will the Final Stage of the 2027 World Youth Day Be Held?
The location for the final stage of the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) is under discussion as the event approaches. Scheduled from August 3 to 8, the gathering is expected to attract between 700,000 and 1 million participants, including 400,000 international youth. The deliberations on the venue are intertwined with Seoul's support plans, city promotion effects, and political implications.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Critiques Democratic Party's Impeachment Strategy
The strength of democracy is revealed in the acceptance of defeat. The attitude of those in power when they lose an election, are outvoted, or receive an unfavorable court ruling reflects their level of commitment to democratic principles. The question now facing the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and the Democratic Party is whether they will acknowledge a judiciary capable of issuing inconvenient rulings. The Democratic Party is pursuing a national investigation into Chief Justice Cho Hee-daeh.
Chicken Festival Draws 120,000 to Seoul's Banpo Bridge
Can a trip to the Han River be complete without chicken? This time, Banpo Bridge transformed into a massive 'chicken table.' Renowned franchises and local chicken shops gathered, attracting over 120,000 citizens and tourists. The participating vendors saw a significant boost in sales.
Seoul's Strong Support Shines at Asian Para Games
The Seoul City Hall's disabled sports team won a total of 12 medals, including 5 gold, at the Asian Para Games held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to 24. This achievement doubles the 6 medals earned at the 2023 Hangzhou Games. The combination of the athletes' relentless efforts and the stable training environment supported by the city has led to this remarkable success on the Asian stage.
Who is Lee Hyun-seok, Director of Seoul Medical Center?
Lee Hyun-seok, the director of Seoul Medical Center, is a physician trained in thoracic surgery at Korea University College of Medicine. His expertise lies in surgeries involving the heart, blood vessels, and lungs. He believes that how medical information is communicated to patients is as important as the medical technology itself. In 2006, he participated in establishing a medical communication society with researchers from medical, nursing, and humanities fields, later serving as its president.
Seoul Medical Center Director: Public Hospitals Must Lead Medical Support for World Youth Day
"If medical support is needed for the World Youth Day, Seoul Medical Center should naturally participate. It's not a matter of religion; it's about ensuring the safety of those visiting Seoul," said Lee Hyun-seok, director of Seoul Medical Center, during a meeting on September 28.
Oh Se-hoon Reflects on Commitment and Accountability After Acquittal
When Oh Se-hoon was convicted in the first trial, my immediate thought was, "Could he really do that?" There seemed to be a significant gap between his long-standing behavior and the verdict. However, belief in a person and the court's judgment are separate matters. I wanted to confirm that gap, which is why I attended the appeals trial.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Serves Special Meal to Staff Preparing for National Audit
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon served lunch to city employees on October 21 at the city hall cafeteria, thanking them for their efforts in preparing for the national audit. The special meal provided to employees for free featured popular dishes from the 'Seoul Moonlight Market,' a project aimed at revitalizing the city's night economy. The menu included chive pork belly from the Sadang Night Market, chicken skewers from the Konkuk University area, and fried eggplant from the Sindang Central Market.
Seoul Introduces Online Application for Water Bill Discounts Without Documentation
Seoul has launched a service that allows residents to confirm eligibility for water bill discounts and apply online without submitting documentation. The Seoul Arisu Headquarters announced on October 21 that it has completely revamped its 'Arisu Customer Center' website, which is used by approximately 1.5 million people annually, to simplify the discount application process and enhance the convenience of key services such as bill inquiries and payments.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Faces Criticism During National Assembly Hearings
During the national audit, while lawmakers prepare the questions, they cannot control the outcome of those inquiries. Questions intended to challenge can sometimes reveal the strengths of the respondent. Such moments occurred multiple times during the national audits of the Seoul Metropolitan Government held by the National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee and the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on October 15 and 19.
Seoul Dominates National Sports Festival with 64 Gold Medals
Seoul's athletes claimed all gold medals in rock climbing events, shattered records in swimming, and secured the first gold medal in Go. The Seoul team continues to excel at the 107th National Sports Festival. As of 4 p.m. on October 19, the city reported a total of 193 medals, including 64 gold, 59 silver, and 70 bronze. A total of 2,156 participants, including 1,480 athletes and 676 officials, are competing across all 50 events.
Oh Se-hoon Blames Former Mayor Park Won-soon for Housing Supply Crisis
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has directly countered the ruling party's criticism regarding the city's housing supply issues, attributing the current supply crisis to the actions of former Mayor Park Won-soon. Oh likened Park's housing policies to "uprooting the seeds of supply and spreading herbicide," arguing that it is unfair to hold him accountable based solely on current supply figures while ignoring the long-term effects of past redevelopment projects.
Seoul to Host 2026 Seoul Barbecue Festival Along Han River
A culinary festival will take place along the Han River this fall, allowing attendees to grill their own meat and taste barbecue dishes prepared by renowned chefs. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the '2026 Seoul Barbecue Festival' will be held from October 24 to 25 at the Nanji Han River Park in Mapo District.
Seoul to Host Chicken Feast on the Banpo Bridge
A tourism festival combining the scenic Han River with Korea's iconic dish, chicken, will take place on the Banpo Bridge. Major franchises and local chicken restaurants will gather, allowing 2,000 citizens and tourists to enjoy chicken at a 400-meter-long table set up on the bridge. This event is part of Seoul's initiative to expand tourism around the Han River's bridges and waterfront spaces.
Seoul Issues 10 Billion Won 'Moonlight Gift Certificates' to Boost Night Economy
Seoul City is issuing 10 billion won worth of 'Moonlight Gift Certificates' to ignite consumer activity in the nighttime alley economy. This initiative aims to encourage citizens to visit the 'Seoul Moonlight Night Market,' which combines local food and culture, and to drive spending at nearby shops. This marks a significant step in Mayor Oh Se-hoon's strategy to transform Seoul into a '24-hour Economic Vitality City' and boost sales in alley commercial districts.
Who is Kim Hyun-ki? Adding Depth to Administration with Legislative Weight
A conversation with Kim Hyun-ki, the head of the Gangnam District Office, often transcended the boundaries of prepared questions. What began as a discussion on the reconstruction of Apgujeong evolved into topics such as public servant organization management, the relationship between Seoul City and autonomous districts, and the driving forces behind urban growth.
Gangnam District Chief Kim Hyun-ki: 'Reconstruction in Apgujeong is an Urban Upgrade'
"Gangnam's future is not bright if it remains stagnant." Kim Hyun-ki, the chief of Gangnam District, outlined his vision for the future of the area during an interview on the 100th day of his tenure on October 8. He identified reconstruction, the AI and robotics industry, and K-content as the three pillars that will drive Gangnam's future. He noted that after half a century of development, it is time to create a new residential environment and growth momentum.
Real Estate: Lee Jae-myung Reflects on Policy, Oh Se-hoon Announces Construction
The public does not live in the confidence of the president. Instead, they face daily worries about housing prices and rent. No matter how much the president emphasizes the achievements of real estate policies, if homeownership remains difficult and the burden of rent persists, the government must first examine whether its policies are functioning properly.
Seoul Offers 30,000 Won Reward for Reporting Water Main Leaks
Seoul is offering a mobile gift certificate worth 30,000 won to citizens who report water main leaks. Last year, approximately 41% of water main leaks in the city were confirmed through citizen reports, highlighting the importance of public participation in reducing water loss and road damage.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Faces Rumors of Resignation Ahead of Appeal Ruling
On the evening of October 9, a brief message circulated stating, 'Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon will hold a resignation press conference at 10 PM.' The message lacked details such as the reason, location, or source, merely indicating it was received from someone. Despite its brevity, this assertion about the current mayor's future spread rapidly online and reached reporters covering the Seoul City Hall.
Seoul's 'No More Loneliness 2.0' Initiative Focuses on Relationship Recovery
Seoul has introduced 'relationship recovery' as the next phase of its loneliness policy. After establishing a 24-hour counseling hotline and providing safe spaces for citizens, the city aims to create an urban environment that fosters social interactions and connections. Mayor Oh Se-hoon has indicated that 'No More Loneliness 2.0' will mark a pivotal shift from a welfare-centric approach to a broader city-wide initiative.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's Restraint Ahead of 'Time of Truth'
Political conviction is not always expressed through loud voices. Sometimes, the point at which one stops speaking about their grievances reveals much more. On October 7, during a press conference marking his 100 days in office, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon faced questions about the potential impact on his administration if he were to receive a sentence that could lead to his removal from office ahead of an upcoming appeal ruling. The question seemed to reflect concerns about the first trial's verdict.
Seoul Faces Shortage of Environmental Workers Amid Growing Demand
Seoul's 25 autonomous districts are facing a 13% shortage of directly employed environmental officials. As the demand for cleaning services and labor costs rise, there are calls for establishing appropriate workforce standards and for the city and districts to share costs more reasonably.
Oh Se-hoon Criticizes President Lee Jae-myung's Real Estate Claims
Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, sharply criticized President Lee Jae-myung's comments on real estate, stating, "I feel it's pointless to persuade the president any longer." Oh refuted the government's claims of increased housing permits and construction in Seoul and the surrounding area as a success of its policies, urging the government to acknowledge its failures and change direction in light of the public's housing struggles.
367 Citizens Cultivate Autumn at Maeheon Citizen's Forest with 51 Gardens
The Seoul International Garden Expo, which began at Seoul Forest, has expanded this autumn to Maeheon Citizen's Forest in Seocho District. This year, 367 citizen gardeners have participated in creating 51 autumn gardens, aiming to promote garden culture in daily life through guided tours, performances, and relaxation programs. The expo is being held from October 1 to 27 at Maeheon Citizen's Forest in Yangjae-dong.
Reimagining the Future of Apgujeong: 50 Years of Hyundai Apartments
When the Hyundai Apartments in Apgujeong opened in 1976, features like elevators, central heating, and spacious layouts symbolized modern living. Now, half a century later, while the technology may be outdated, the questions posed by the development remain relevant: What kind of homes will people live in the future? The reconstruction of Apgujeong is drawing attention as it aims to redefine the standards of future housing in South Korea, beyond just height and views of the Han River.
Will the Han River Open Up as Heights Increase? The Equation of Skyscrapers and Public Contribution
The Apgujeong redevelopment plan proposes a maximum height of 60 stories, moving away from the previous 35-story limit along the Han River. This increase in height and floor area ratio could enhance views and marketability, providing opportunities for additional housing and increased project revenue. However, the benefits of urban planning come with public responsibilities.
O Se-hoon Appeals in Court: 'I Am Not Afraid of Losing My Position'
"It is unnecessary and unimaginable to ask someone else to pay the costs that my campaign should bear." On October 2, at the Seoul High Court, O Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, became emotional during his closing statement. While he did not shed tears, his voice quivered as he denied any request for someone else to cover polling costs. This moment resonated with a reporter who has covered O for nearly 20 years, revealing the depth of his feelings on the matter.
Autumn Popup Store 'Aridapda Arisu' Opens Along the Han River
A popup store where visitors can enjoy the sunset and night views of the Han River while drinking Seoul's tap water, Arisu, is set to open in Yeouido. The event combines experiential games, beverage tastings, and relaxing music spaces to offer citizens a fall evening picnic. The Seoul Arisu Headquarters announced on September 30 that the second 'Aridapda Arisu' popup store will operate at the Han River Park event square in Yeouido from October 2 to 11, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Oh Se-hoon Criticizes Land Use Investigation as Targeting Citizens
Oh Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, criticized the Lee Jae-myung administration's land use investigation on September 27, stating, "Please do not look for 'targets to crack down on' among the citizens anymore." In a post on Facebook, Mayor Oh argued that the government is investigating farmland based on actual residence and cultivation, claiming, "The government is judging the complex lives of citizens with a single standard and suspecting those who deviate from the principles as potential...
Apgujeong District 3 Residents Request Special Inspection from Seoul City
Residents of the Apgujeong District 3 reconstruction association in Gangnam, Seoul, have submitted a joint petition to the city requesting a prompt investigation into the overall operations of their association. With approximately 4,000 members and a project budget in the trillions of won, they are demanding that Seoul verify the appropriateness of major decision-making and the execution of association funds.
O Se-hoon Trial: Key Testimony Raises Questions About Guilt
On September 16, during the fifth hearing of the appeal for O Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, at the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7, the voice of Myung Tae-kyun was played through a speaker. The recording, mixed with dialect and uneven sound quality, prompted the presiding judge to request, "Please turn up the volume." While some parts were clear, others were not. "Anyway, O Se-hoon doesn’t know. Don’t worry. I’ll handle it myself," Myung said. The atmosphere in the courtroom shifted.
Seoul's Nodle Island to Transform into 'Island of Light' for 2026 Seoul Light Festival
Seoul's Nodle Island will transform into an 'Island of Light' where the Han River's waves blend with lasers and music. The city of Seoul announced on September 21 that it will host the '2026 Seoul Light Han River Festival' on Nodle Island from October 2 to 11. This year's festival, now in its fourth edition, is a prominent nighttime media art festival that connects art, nature, and the city through light.
Authority of the 'Apgujeong President': Limits on Business Rights
The leader of the reconstruction union represents the group, convening general meetings and delegate councils, negotiating permits with the Seoul and Gangnam districts, and discussing construction and design costs with contractors. They also wield significant influence over fund management and partner oversight. Given the scale of the project, valued in the trillions of won, the term 'Apgujeong President' has emerged. However, the union leader does not hold absolute power.
Apgujeong Hyundai Apartment Marks 50 Years, Building a New Future
The union leader election at the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartment complex is often referred to as the 'Apgujeong Presidential Election.' While the term may be exaggerated, it reflects the scale of the project. District 3 of Apgujeong is the largest reconstruction site, combining the existing 3,934 units from Hyundai 1-7, 10, 13, and 14, as well as Daelim Villat. The construction cost proposed by Hyundai Engineering & Construction is approximately 5.561 trillion won.
Reconstruction of Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments: Building a New Future
The reconstruction of Apgujeong is not a single project. The areas from Misung Apartments near the Han River Bridge to Hanyang Apartments in Cheongdam-dong are advancing with different associations and timelines for districts 1 through 6. This follows the Seoul city government's 2016 announcement of a district unit plan that grouped 24 apartment complexes in the Apgujeong area into six reconstruction project units. Apgujeong was designated as an apartment district in 1976.
Are Special Planning Zones Favorable Areas? Balancing Development and Public Contribution
The term 'special planning zone' can easily be misunderstood as a privileged area with relaxed regulations. However, in urban planning, a special planning zone is designated for areas that are large or of significant urban importance, making it difficult to develop them under standard building codes. The city of Seoul establishes the overarching framework for special planning zones.
Seoul Council Chair Im Man-kyun Inspects Swimming Pool at Cheongun Elementary School
Fourteen aging school swimming pools in Seoul will undergo renovations in phases. Additionally, the discount for female youth using public swimming pools is expected to be expanded. According to the Seoul City Council on September 17, Im Man-kyun, the chair of the council, visited the swimming pool at Cheongun Elementary School in Jongno District on September 16 to inspect the facilities and safety management.
Kim Jong-in's Testimony on Oh Se-hoon in Court
In criminal trials, the consistency of a person's actions with their motivations is a crucial factor. This is particularly relevant in the fourth appeal hearing on September 11 regarding Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's alleged violation of the Political Fund Law, where Kim Jong-in, former chairman of the People Power Party, provided significant testimony. Kim testified that on March 19, 2021, Oh approached him expressing a desire to withdraw from the mayoral race.
International Preparatory Meeting for 2027 Seoul World Youth Day Opens
The second international preparatory meeting for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day (WYD) opened on September 14. Running until September 17, the meeting is jointly organized by the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life and the 2027 Seoul WYD organizing committee. Representatives from churches around the world are sharing updates on the preparations and key programs for the Seoul WYD while experiencing Korean church culture.
Seoul Launches 23-Day Welcome Program for East Asian Holiday Travelers
As Japan's Silver Week and China's Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day coincide, major East Asian holidays are lined up. The city of Seoul is launching a '23-day tourism hospitality operation' to attract foreign tourists visiting during this peak autumn travel season. Starting September 19 and running until October 11, the city, in collaboration with the Seoul Tourism Foundation and the Seoul Tourism Association, will host the '2026 Seoul Welcome Week (Autumn Edition),' announced on September 15.
Im Man-kyun, Seoul City Council Chair, Prioritizes TBS Normalization
Im Man-kyun, Chair of the Seoul City Council, expressed a strong commitment to the normalization of Traffic Broadcasting System (TBS). However, he emphasized that the city should first restore TBS's status as a public institution before the council establishes financial support regulations. In an interview with Aju Economy on September 2, Im stated, "The first step in normalizing TBS is to restore its status as a public institution.
Im Man-kyun: From Labor Lawyer to Seoul City Council Speaker
To a boy living in Hongseong, Chungcheongnam-do, Seoul was a distant city at the end of the railway. Im Man-kyun, the Speaker of the Seoul City Council, graduated from Gwangcheon High School and studied urban planning at Hannam University. The Janghang Line, which connected his hometown of Hongseong to Daejeon and Seoul, was a significant part of his youth. He settled in Seoul in 2004, during his senior year of college, to seek employment.
Im Man-kyun Elected Chair of Seoul City Council, Emphasizes Collaboration
The power dynamics of the Seoul City Council have shifted after four years. In the 12th council, where the Democratic Party holds 80 seats and the People Power Party has 38, Im Man-kyun, a three-term council member from Gwanak 3, has been elected as the chair. As the youngest chair, he combines a gentle demeanor with a clear sense of judgment.
50 Years of Apgujeong Hyundai: What Defines a Future Residential City?
As the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments mark their 50th anniversary, Aju Economy will publish a series titled 'Apgujeong, Building the Future Again.' Introduced in 1976, the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments transformed a sandy area south of the Han River into a premier residential district in South Korea.
Apgujeong: Building the Future Again | 50 Years of Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments
The Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments, completed in 1976, are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Once a symbol of the Gangnam apartment era and a new residential culture, Apgujeong Hyundai is now preparing for a transformation into a 21st-century future residential city through large-scale reconstruction.
Why the 'Number' in Hyundai Apartments Reflects Construction Phases
The term 'number' in Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments does not refer to building numbers or current reconstruction area numbers. Instead, it indicates the sequence of construction phases, as the large-scale apartment projects were developed in multiple stages rather than all at once. The first phase was designated as Hyundai 1st, followed by Hyundai 2nd, with each phase comprising several buildings. The current reconstruction areas do not align with the sequence of these phases.
Seoul's Autumn Festivals to Feature Free Drinking Water Stations
This autumn, residents attending festivals in Seoul will be able to quench their thirst with cool Arisu without purchasing bottled water. The city is deploying mobile drinking water stations and promotional vehicles at festival and school events, allowing citizens to experience the taste and quality of Arisu firsthand.
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