Oh: "We Must Move Toward a Parliamentary-Centered Party... Restoring Conservative Values Through Sincerity, Inclusiveness, and Competence"

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon stated on June 24, "Korea is an overly politicized society," adding, "We need to transform into a party centered on parliamentary affairs in order to minimize unnecessary conflict." Regarding the restoration of conservative values, he said, "If we fail to regain public trust through sincerity, inclusiveness, and competence, it will be difficult to achieve good results in the next general and presidential elections."

On this day, at an invited lecture hosted by the Korea Future Innovation Forum—formerly a gathering of lawmakers aligned with pro-Yoon factions—at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, Mayor Oh reflected on the victory in the 9th nationwide local elections, stating, "The foundation of this victory was that we fought with policy rather than politics and gave it our all."

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon is attending a seminar hosted by the Korea Future Innovation Forum held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on June 24, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Mayor Oh first remarked, "It's been a long time since I left Yeouido, so I have not been in a position to get involved in the affairs of the National Assembly or the party for quite some time," adding, "That is the fundamental reason why there is an assessment of a lack of close engagement within the party." After completing his term as a 16th National Assembly member, Mayor Oh left politics, was elected Mayor of Seoul in the 2006 local elections, and has since been active around Seoul City for the past 20 years.

Mayor Oh then introduced the model of a party centered on parliamentary affairs. He shared an anecdote about leading the proposal of the three political reform bills during his tenure as a 16th National Assembly member, saying, "What I focused on most at the time was the abolition of the central party system," and added, "In the United States, the party within the parliament is led by a floor leader (whip), not a separate party leader."

Mayor Oh also pointed out that Korea has become excessively politicized, stating, "Party leaders are required to be involved in every social phenomenon, which has made political strife and distortion a daily occurrence," and added, "If we want to correct the phenomenon where politics equates to being a fighter, we should question whether a party leader is even necessary. The party can be adequately managed by a parliamentary leader alone."

Regarding the restoration of conservative values, Mayor Oh emphasized unity and harmony, as well as regaining trust through sincerity, inclusiveness, and competence. He said, "Although these may be dismissed as outdated idealistic values, the message of unity and harmony resonates most with the people," and added, "If we fail to earn public trust based on sincerity, inclusiveness, and competence, it will be difficult to achieve favorable results in the upcoming general and presidential elections, or to advance toward governing."

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