Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said Thursday he has no interest in running in the next presidential election, denying reports he could be a leading opposition contender.

Park, who became mayor in the October 2011 by-election, has often been cited in political and media circles as a potential candidate for the 2017 presidential poll.

Former President Lee Myung-bak, whose term ended in February, also served as mayor of Seoul before being elected president.

“I have no plans to run in the next presidential election,” he said at a forum hosted by the Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists’ association. “It’s important to concentrate on the municipal administration of Seoul.”

The former lawyer and human rights activist won the 2011 by-election due in large part to the support of popular software mogul-turned-lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo. Ahn, who was widely expected to run for Seoul mayor, publicly declared his support for Park.

Asked how he plans to repay Ahn for his help, the mayor said, “If I properly manage municipal affairs and upgrade Seoul and bring happiness (to its citizens), that will be the same as repaying him.”

The two have maintained a relationship based on trust, he added.

On his plans to run for re-election in next year’s local elections, Park said he believes it will be to his advantage to concentrate on municipal affairs in line with principles and win the support of Seoul citizens, regardless of whether he wins re-election. (Yonhap News)