Oh Sehoon Says, "Is Seoul Victory the Driving Force for Jang's Leadership? It's a Matter of Interpretation... Let's Wait for the Outcome"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon commented on June 24 regarding claims that his victory in the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections in the Seoul mayoral race has become a driving force for maintaining the leadership of People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk, who has been embroiled in calls for resignation. He said, “That is a matter of interpretation,” and added, “Shouldn’t we wait and see about the results?”

Mayor Oh made these remarks to reporters after attending an invitational discussion hosted by the Korea Future Innovation Forum—formerly a group of pro-Yoon lawmakers—at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of June 24. Mayor Oh had previously drawn a line between himself and party leadership including Jang, conducting his own independent campaign and narrowly winning the election.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is having a conversation with Jeong Jeomsik, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, before his lecture at 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

On June 16, Mayor Oh had also effectively called for the resignation of Jang and other party leaders via social networking services (SNS). He criticized Jang, who chose to focus on addressing the ‘shortage of ballot papers’ instead of stepping down, saying, “The pure aspirations of young people who took to the streets to uphold democracy should not be consumed as fuel for the political survival of a particular politician.” He added, “It is deeply concerning that the golden window of public trust is being wasted due to the political calculations of an individual.”

Currently, Jang has been hospitalized at a hospital in Seoul since June 18 due to deteriorating health. According to Jang’s side, although medical staff have determined that further inpatient treatment is needed, Jang has expressed his intention to return to party duties as soon as possible.

Regarding his absence from a National Assembly forum attended by independent lawmaker Han Donghoon the previous day, Mayor Oh explained, “I had a prior engagement with the head of the Cultural Heritage Administration regarding the Sewoon District issue, and we had a constructive conversation.” He continued, “As a result, it would have been burdensome for me as Seoul Mayor to visit the National Assembly two days in a row.” He clarified that his absence was not related to Han or other lawmakers in attendance.

Meanwhile, when asked about the government's push for a tax reform plan that includes strengthening real estate transfer and holding taxes, Mayor Oh said, “There are hardly any policy tools that Seoul City can use in response, but since there is some time, I have already requested a meeting with President Lee Jaemyung. If that does not materialize, I could present Seoul’s position by attending a Cabinet meeting.” He added, “If given the opportunity, I will fully and deeply communicate the city’s views.”

Regarding the Blue House’s response to his request for a meeting with President Lee, Mayor Oh said, “There has been no specific answer,” adding, “Since the Cabinet meeting is scheduled for July 7, and there are still ten days left until then, I will wait.”

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