Oh Se-hoon bounces back, touting “opposition unity” to make his presence felt

[Financial News] Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, has gained more room to maneuver after being acquitted in the second trial of the case involving alleged proxy payment of Myeong Tae-gyun’s opinion poll costs. Although a final ruling is still pending, he has re-emerged as a leading presidential contender for the conservative opposition. Immediately after the acquittal, Oh called for “party unity,” strengthening his influence within the camp. He is also expected to build his profile by delivering results as Seoul’s “mini-president” and checking the Lee Jae Myung government’s real estate policies.
According to political circles on the 25th, Oh met with reporters after attending an event at the National Assembly on the 24th, the day after his acquittal in the second trial. “The general election is approaching,” he said, adding, “The public will find reassurance when the People Power Party presents a united and cohesive front rather than appearing divided.”
He also showed his ambition to become a rallying point for uniting the party, which has been divided since the December 3 Martial Law declaration and the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. “I will do my utmost to bring together people with somewhat different views and philosophies,” he said. Many party insiders believe it will be difficult to win the 2028 general election under Jang Dong-hyuk’s leadership, which is seen as having limited appeal among centrists. Among them, the prevailing view is that Oh is the alternative: his victory in the Seoul mayoral election directly demonstrated his appeal to centrists, people in the capital region, and young people.
Lawmakers outside the party leadership, who have lost a rallying point amid Oh’s legal troubles and the expulsion of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, also appear to be making moves. In particular, lawmakers outside the leadership who had called on Jang to state whether he would remain in his post, but had kept their distance from Han, are drawing closer to Oh. Jo Eun-hee and Kim Jae-seop, who are considered part of the pro-Oh faction, not only sent congratulatory messages immediately after the second-trial verdict, but were also among those present at the Seoul High Court, where the trial was held. The other lawmakers in attendance were Yoon Sang-hyun, Kim Seok-ki, Shin Seong-beom, Lee Man-hee, Kim Mi-ae, Kwon Young-jin, Eom Tae-young, Jo Jung-hoon, Park Soo-min, Seo Myeong-ok, and Lee Sang-hwi, along with Reform Party lawmaker Lee Jun-seok.
Oh and Han, a leading presidential contender for the opposition, also welcomed Oh’s “safe return.” They believe that figures with a moderate-conservative image, including Han and Oh, need to broaden the conservative camp’s reach if it hopes to regain power in the next administration. Some also believe an alliance is needed to build strength to counter hard-line conservatives such as Jang. Speaking on KBS Sunday Diagnosis, Han described Oh as “a very reasonable person” and said he was “someone we should join forces with and move forward alongside to secure victory for the conservative camp.”
The People Power Party is expected to see a contest over its political direction among Oh, Jang, and Han ahead of next year’s party convention. The party leader elected next year will play a major role, as the leader holds the power to select candidates for the following general election. Oh is currently Seoul’s mayor and Han is an independent, so neither can run for party leader at this point; still, a proxy battle among figures rallying around them cannot be ruled out. It is clear that after the 2028 general election, the rivalry will develop into a fierce contest among the three as they look toward the 2030 presidential race.
Since the verdict, Oh has embarked on an exceptionally wide-ranging schedule, attending a memorial for the Itaewon disaster, the Jingwansa National Water and Land Rite, an event in front of the Garden of Gratitude, and an event at the National Assembly. As he appears to be moving onto the path to a presidential bid, the Democratic Party is also taking aim at him. That day, Democratic Party spokesperson Son Myeong-su told Oh, “This is no time to celebrate an acquittal in the opinion poll payment case,” and raised allegations concerning the Han River Bus project. He said, “In addition to allegations of manipulation in the selection of the shipbuilder, a document has been found that even within the Seoul city government characterized the project as ‘a comprehensive failure, including delays, increased costs, and inadequate quality due to a fragmented subcontracting structure.’ The city government’s own assessment is that the mayor put his achievements ahead of citizens’ safety, and that Seoul, which was responsible for the project, was led around by the contractors instead of providing responsible oversight. How long will Oh continue to plead ignorance in the face of allegations emerging day after day?”
[email protected] Lee Hae-ram Reporter