Oh Se-hoon: "Why a Re-election with a 60,000-Vote Margin?"... Pushback Against Jang Dong-hyuk's Demand

Jang Dong-hyuk: "We Need to Redo the Local Elections"
VS Oh Se-hoon: "Why, When the Margin Is Over 60,000 Votes?"
Debate Over the Conservative Camp's Direction Intensifies

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (left) and Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul, expressed opposition to Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, who has repeatedly called for nationwide re-elections in response to the ballot paper shortage that occurred during the local elections. Mayor Oh stated, "Unless there is a procedural flaw that constitutes a serious violation capable of changing the outcome of the election, re-elections cannot be held." This stance has further fueled debate within the conservative camp, with some even interpreting Jang’s position as pressuring Mayor Oh to resign.

"Re-elections Impossible Unless There Is a Serious Violation"

In an interview released on June 9 through the YouTube channels of Chosun Ilbo and JoongAng Ilbo, Mayor Oh shared his views on the re-election controversy and the future direction of the People Power Party. He said, "While I understand the political calculus involved, the Public Official Election Act does not allow for a full re-election unless procedural flaws amount to a serious violation that could change the election outcome."

Regarding the mayoral election in Seoul, Mayor Oh specifically pointed out, "The margin between the candidates exceeded 60,000 votes," adding, "The ballot paper shortage was unlikely to have had a practical impact on the outcome." In this election, Mayor Oh defeated Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party candidate, by a margin of 60,259 votes.

However, Mayor Oh added that races for city and district council members, where the results were determined by a few hundred votes, should be considered separately. He stated, "There is a sufficient possibility for partial re-elections," and added, "In places where the results for city council, district council, or proportional representation elections were decided by a margin of just a few hundred votes, the courts will make a strict judgment."

Direct Criticism: "Jang Dong-hyuk’s Approach Has Failed"

Mayor Oh sharply criticized Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, for his strong insistence on re-elections. He said, "The results of this election mean that the approach advocated by Representative Jang has failed," and continued, "The People Power Party now faces a crossroads: whether to venture out into the rough seas of centrism or remain a YouTube-based party catering only to its hardline supporters." He further asserted, "It is time for the People Power Party lawmakers to decide whether to contest the general elections in two years with the current approach."

Mayor Oh also criticized Jang’s call for nationwide re-elections. He questioned, "Has there ever been a consensus within the party?" and added, "I see this as functioning merely as a political slogan."

Regarding the ballot paper shortage itself, Mayor Oh described it as "something that should never have happened" and emphasized, "We must use every powerful means available to thoroughly investigate the truth in a way that the public can accept." He also remarked, "Young people cannot tolerate injustice," and pointed out, "The fact that voters were unable to vote due to a shortage of ballot papers is a serious problem that undermines trust in election management." He concluded, "Ultimately, whether a re-election will be held is an issue that will be decided according to legal judgments and procedures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.