Oh Se-hoon Submits Recorded Evidence in Tears... Verdict Day on the 23rd Will Decide His Fate

After Appellate Sentencing Hearing, Oh Se-hoon Asserts, "I Never Discussed the Opinion Poll in Advance"

Attention on Recorded Evidence: "Oh Se-hoon Does Not Know"

Seoul High Court's Ruling to Determine Mayor's Political Direction

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon faces a critical crossroads after completing the sentencing hearing for his appellate trial on charges of violating the Political Funds Act. The special prosecutor has requested a prison sentence of one year and six months, along with a forfeiture of 33 million won, the same as in the first trial. Depending on the verdict to be delivered on the 23rd, the stability of Seoul's municipal administration and Mayor Oh's political fate are expected to change significantly.

On October 2, the Criminal Division 7 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Koo Hoegeun) held the appellate trial sentencing hearing for Mayor Oh, who is accused of violating the Political Funds Act. In his final statement, Mayor Oh, on the verge of tears, said, "Everything is my fault." However, he maintained his innocence, emphasizing, "I never discussed the opinion poll in advance, nor did I ever use the results for the election."

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon is attending the appellate trial sentencing hearing for the Myung Taegyun poll manipulation case held at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on October 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

The core allegation in this case is that Mayor Oh commissioned a public opinion poll from political broker Myung Taekyun during the 2021 Seoul Mayoral by-election and had supporter Kim Hanjung pay the costs on his behalf. The first trial recognized five instances of such polls and an illegally paid amount totaling 21 million won, sentencing Mayor Oh to a fine of 10 million won—a decision that would result in the loss of his position as mayor.

In the appellate trial, a newly submitted recorded phone call became the main variable. Mayor Oh's team introduced a recording of a March 2021 conversation between Myung Taekyun and Kim Hanjung, challenging the credibility of Myung's testimony. The court accepted this as evidence, intensifying the legal battle. In the recording, Myung could be heard saying things like "Oh Se-hoon does not know" and "I'll take care of it myself." Mayor Oh's side argued that this recording is strong evidence of his innocence. However, Myung countered that the conversation was about unification strategies with then-candidate Ahn Cheol-soo after Oh had become the official People Power Party candidate, insisting that it was unrelated to the opinion poll.

The special prosecutor's team requested the court to impose the same sentence as in the first trial: one year and six months of imprisonment and the forfeiture of 33 million won. The prosecution argued, "The defendant, as an influential politician, is in a position where he must observe the Political Funds Act more than anyone else," adding, "He had opinion poll expenses, which were closely tied to his political campaign, paid by a third party without following the proper procedures."

The date for the appellate ruling is set for the 23rd. This verdict is expected to mark a significant turning point in Mayor Oh's political journey. Should he be found not guilty or if the sentence is significantly reduced, it could serve as a chance for his political recovery. His previously shaken leadership and momentum in Seoul's administration could be restored, providing a stable foundation to pursue his key initiatives, including youth policies, urban development, and transportation infrastructure.

If the guilty verdict is upheld in the appellate trial, his political burdens will increase. Under the Political Funds Act, if a fine of 1 million won or more is finalized, the individual is barred from holding public office for five years, and incumbents are removed from their posts. While Mayor Oh would continue to lead the city during further legal proceedings at the Supreme Court, the legal uncertainty could further undermine his leadership.

The Seoul High Court's decision is expected to have ramifications not only for Mayor Oh personally, but also for the administration of Seoul and the broader political landscape. The political world is closely watching the court's ruling.

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