Jang Dong-hyuk’s Leadership Overreach… Metropolitan Area Loss Could Jeopardize Entire Election
No Consideration of Leaving Party… Disciplining Bae Hyun-jin Deemed Inappropriate
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon downplayed the importance of announcing his candidacy for a potential fifth term in the upcoming June 3 local elections. He emphasized that his current focus is on safeguarding Seoul’s interests.
At a New Year’s press conference on the 10th, Mayor Oh stated, “Despite recent speculations, my roles and responsibilities remain clear.”
He elaborated, “With the party’s primary schedule yet to be announced, there’s no need to rush. My recent divergence from party leadership has sparked various analyses, but citizens can rest assured of my commitment to Seoul.”
Oh underscored Seoul’s significance, saying, “As South Korea’s representative city and the focal point of local elections, the Seoul mayoral race is more than just a local contest—it’s crucial to national competitiveness. This election should be about competing visions, not personalities. The key is maintaining Seoul citizens’ pride.”
He continued, “Seoul has emerged as a leading Asian city. This election will determine who will shape Seoul’s global status and direction. It must be a fair contest centered on Seoul’s future vision.”
Addressing internal party dynamics, Oh sharply criticized the People Power Party leadership under Jang Dong-hyuk. He pointed out, “It’s unrealistic to run a campaign embracing two conflicting values regarding Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law perceptions. This overambition to reconcile incompatible positions is complicating our electoral prospects.”
Oh cautioned, “Mere rhetoric about expanding centrist appeal won’t gain public trust. Inconsistency between words and actions will alienate metropolitan voters. The leadership must realize that losing the metropolitan area could endanger our entire local election strategy.”
Firmly denying rumors of his departure from the party, Oh also criticized the disciplinary action against Bae Hyun-jin, stating, “Penalizing members for political disagreements isn’t politics—it’s political deviation. While personal preferences may vary, ostracizing someone for dissenting views is unacceptable.”
Oh concluded, “I remain committed to protecting Seoul’s interests. I’ll demonstrate through results what politics that preserves Seoul’s vision and citizens’ pride looks like.” Addressing recent polls showing him trailing opposition candidate Jeong Won-o, Oh admitted, “I take full responsibility for these results. It reflects my shortcomings, and I’ll reflect on this seriously.”
jsy@tf.co.kr
Most Commented