Home > National > Politics

Seoul mayor faces criticism over snowboarding event

Published: 11 Dec. 2009, 21:02

A snowboarder practices his jump ahead of the Seoul Snow Jam event on a ramp built in the heart of the nation’s capital in Gwanghwamun Plaza. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has come under fire from critics claiming he hosted the event as a publicity stunt. [Joint Press Corps]

Citing Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s decision to host a snowboarding contest by building a large ramp in the heart of the capital, critics say the politician is trying to win votes for next June’s city mayoral election.

They charge Oh’s most tangible achievements do not improve the overall quality of life in Seoul. Critics also question whether the mayor’s recent decision to close half the lanes surrounding Gwanghwamun Plaza to allow filming of the hit KBS drama “Iris” was for political gain.

Oh has said he will run for re-election because he needs to complete unfinished projects to improve the quality of life in Seoul. But the mayor said criticism of him stems from a “groundless misunderstanding.” Oh said he feels frustrated about the controversies, which have caused him to regret his decision to run.

“I feel very frustrated because some people are taking the Big Air contest as my strategy to win an election,” Oh said on Thursday in a message on a bulletin board at his blog (http://blog.naver.com/ohsehoon4u). “Big Air is a well-known winter sporting contest around the world, and Seoul is the first city in Asia to host the mega event.”

Oh said he agonized over holding the contest at Gwanghawmun Plaza but he decided to go ahead with the plan because this is a great opportunity to let the world audience learn about Seoul.

“The contest is broadcast to over 170 countries around the world and the attention Big Air draws is equal to any other international sporting contest,” Oh said. “I’m now involved in a campaign to market the Seoul brand because that’s the best way to reinvigorate the economy and create jobs. “

Oh said his brand marketing strategies have made gradual progress in raising the image of Seoul.

Citing the Anholt-GfK Roper City Brands Index, Oh said Seoul, which was ranked 44th 2006, jumped up to 33th place in 2008.

In a recent survey conducted among residents of China and Japan to pick an Asian city they want to visit, Seoul ranked first, Oh wrote.

“Regardless of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s efforts to improve the city’s image, some are labeling the city’s actions as a tool for re-election,” Oh wrote. “I feel bad for making the announcement that I will run for re-election because of all the criticism and misunderstanding that have subsequently popped up. Now more people are alleging most of my focus is on winning votes.”

By Kim Mi-ju, Kang Kap-saeng [[email protected]]