People Power Party Condemns "Political Verdict" After Oh Se-hoon's Election-Nullifying Ruling in First Trial

On July 22, the People Power Party commented on the court's decision to impose a fine of 10 million won—a penalty that would nullify the election result—against Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon over allegations that Myung Tae-gyun paid for a public opinion poll on his behalf. The party stated, "We are gravely aware of the public concern that this decision was based not on law and evidence, but on the political repercussions."

Yonhap News Agency

Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, issued a commentary on the same day, saying, "This verdict is a grave incident that compels the public to question whether the Korean judiciary remains the last bastion of public trust, or whether it is an institution swayed by political power." He made this announcement accordingly.

Previously, Mayor Oh had been indicted on charges of violating the Political Funds Act for allegedly receiving a public opinion poll from political broker Myung Tae-gyun and having the costs covered by a sponsor. The 22nd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Mayor Oh to a fine of 10 million won and ordered the forfeiture of 21 million won on this day.

Spokesperson Park stated, "Among the public, there is a growing perception that the ruling party is held to lenient standards while the opposition faces excessively strict ones—giving rise to the perception of 'ruling party acquitted, opposition party convicted.' The expansion of this perception will only further erode public trust not only in the judiciary, but also in the Lee Jaemyung government."

He continued, "In particular, trials concerning elected officials chosen by 10 million Seoul citizens demand more rigorous legal standards and prudent judgment than any other cases. Nonetheless, by handing down a judgment that invites political controversy and shakes the people's choice, the judiciary is undermining democracy in an extremely irresponsible manner."

Park added, "We hope that during the appeals and higher court proceedings, the case will be reviewed more thoroughly and strictly in accordance with law and evidence. Regardless of any political circumstances, the independence and impartiality of the judiciary must never be compromised, and rational, fair judgments that every citizen can accept must be delivered."

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