The Council on East Asian Studies presents Se-hoon Oh, Mayor of Seoul.
“Seoul, My Soul, Going Together With The World - Grappling With Polarization & Inclusive Growth.”
World cities and local governments are striving to find solutions to poverty and inequality in society. Seoul, the capital city of the Republic of Korea is also joining the efforts as one of the prominent world players. As the epic center of nations’ politics, economics, society, culture, and Hallyu, Seoul has experienced a rapid and remarkable urban transformation. The mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon, who runs the city’s administration, will talk about Seoul’s active approach toward domestic and international polarization and inclusive growth, “Going together with the socially neglected”.
Oh Se-Hoon, the Mayor of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, entered the National Assembly in 2000 and began his political career in earnest. He was elected as the 33rd Mayor of Seoul in 2006 at the age of 45 and later succeeded in serving as the 34th Mayor of Seoul in 2010. Seoul won the UN Public Service Awards consecutively by introducing creative administrative approaches through initiatives such as the “Seoul Hope Plus Savings Accounts Program” and the “Seoul Women-Friendly City Project.” In 2010, Seoul was designated as the UNESCO World Design Capital for enhancing urban competitiveness through the “Design Seoul Policy.” The long-term lease housing project “Shift” has been recognized worldwide by United Nations as an exemplary urban housing initiative. During his tenure, Seoul’s urban competitiveness index rose from 20th to 10th, and the integrity of metropolitan governments rose from 15th to 1st.
He was elected as the 38th Mayor of Seoul under the banner of fairness and co-prosperity and currently is serving as the 39th Mayor of Seoul. Seoul Vision 2030 presents the direction for the next 10 years, and he is continuously striving to turn Seoul into a “Co-prosperous city” that guarantees a fair environment and opportunity, a “Global leading city” that ranks among the top 5 global cities, a “Resilient city” that ensures a healthy and safe life, and a “Future emotional city” that impresses people with attractiveness and sensibility while enhancing the dignity of the city.
The event will be moderated by Erik Harms, Professor of Anthropology & Southeast Asia Studies ; Director of Graduate Studies; Chair, Council on Southeast Asian Studies.
A reception will follow in the Luce Hall Common Room on the 2nd floor, including Korean snacks courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.