Oh Se-hoon Rides a Rebound, Launches Bid to Expand Beyond Conservative Base

\r\n[Financial News] Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, has stepped up efforts to unite the conservative camp and expand his support among moderate voters in order to sustain his recent momentum. As the gap between him and his rival Jung Won-oh has narrowed to within the margin of error in opinion polls, he appears to be taking a more aggressive approach to keep the momentum going.
\r\nAt a press conference titled "Public Appeal for the June 3 Local Elections" held in front of the main building of Seoul Metropolitan Government in Jung District on the 14th, Oh said, "Seoul has always been the compass of public sentiment that determines the direction of South Korea." He added, "The result of this Seoul mayoral election will also be a major turning point that sets the country back on the right path." He went on to argue, "We are standing at a crossroads between a real estate hell and an escape from it, between a return to the Park Won-soon season 2 and a leap into the future."
\r\nOh also expressed confidence in recent polling trends. "A month ago, the gap in approval ratings was quite wide, but recent surveys have clearly shown it moving within the margin of error," he said. He added, "Since registering as a preliminary candidate, we have begun promoting our achievements and delivering our message in earnest, and as the overhyped image of Jung has worn off, our candidate competitiveness has started to be reflected in the polls." He also stressed, "The overall election landscape is still very unfavorable to our party, but I will keep running, and running harder, with a sense of cutting to the bone."
\r\nAccording to a survey commissioned by Penn & Mike from polling firm Fair Poll and conducted on the 10th and 11th among 801 men and women aged 18 and older living in Seoul, Jung was chosen as the most suitable candidate for Seoul mayor by 44.7 percent of respondents, while Oh received 42.6 percent. The gap between the two candidates was 2.1 percentage points, within the margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. In another survey commissioned by Christian Broadcasting System (CBS) and conducted by KSOI using an automated response system on the 12th and 13th among 1,002 Seoul residents aged 18 and older, Jung and Oh received 44.9 percent and 39.8 percent support, respectively. The gap narrowed sharply to 5.1 percentage points from 10.2 points three weeks earlier.
\r\nPolitical observers say Oh has now entered a full-scale chase, using his recent rebound in support to highlight his experience in city administration and his housing supply agenda. In particular, by sharply increasing his field appearances and message exposure after registering as a candidate, he is likely to continue an aggressive public campaign and target moderate voters until the final stretch of the election.
\r\nOh has recently placed the housing issue at the center of his campaign. On this day as well, he strongly criticized the current administration's tax-centered housing policy, saying, "The only fundamental solution is supply, supply, supply." He argued that higher property and capital gains taxes ultimately pushed up jeonse and monthly rent prices, adding to the burden on end users.
Oh said, "The current approach is a short-term, election-minded palliative," and added, "They are stubbornly sticking to policies whose effects will quickly fade once the election is over."
He also kept up pressure on Jung by proposing a one-on-one debate. Oh said, "The most urgent concern for Seoul citizens is the housing issue," and added, "We need an unlimited, all-out debate." He continued, "Proper policy scrutiny is needed, including on transportation, the environment, and urban competitiveness," and urged Jung, "Do not avoid it any longer. Please accept."
\r\nAt the press conference, Oh also signaled his intention to broaden his appeal beyond the conservative camp. He said, "I will make efforts to join hands and unite with all political forces except the Democratic Party." He is scheduled to meet former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min later in the day. Regarding the meeting, Oh said, "I will make efforts to join hands and unite with all political forces except the Democratic Party," adding, "That is why I will meet with senior Yoo Seong-min today."
\r\n
ronia@fnnews.com Lee Seol-young Reporter