Kim Minseok: "I lean toward Oh Sehoon's conviction being upheld on appeal... I'm preparing for a Seoul mayoral election"

"Oh Sehoon Trial: I Haven't Seen Any Signs the Conviction Will Be Overturned"
Special Inspector Appointment Process: "A Return to Normalcy and a Step Forward"

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the afternoon of Oct. 23 that he expected the first-trial ruling finding Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon guilty to be upheld ahead of the appeal court's verdict.

Appearing on the Democratic Party's YouTube channel, Democratic Party TV, Kim was asked what he expected in Oh's trial. "I said at the time of the first trial that I expected a guilty verdict," he said. "There have been various theories and new testimony since the first trial, so it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. But I haven't seen any circumstances that would change the guilty verdict from the first trial, so I lean toward thinking it will stand." He added, "(The verdict) is up to the judge. Before even getting into the legal details, I'm preparing myself for the ruling to be upheld."

If the Supreme Court upholds a sentence of a fine of 1 million won or more against Oh, he will lose his position as mayor, requiring a by-election for Seoul mayor. On this, Kim said, "Preparing myself means that the likelihood of holding another Seoul mayoral election is increasing. If a by-election takes place, there could be candidates from various political factions and candidates from outside the party, so I think we need to consider how best to bring everyone's capabilities together."

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and floor leader Han Byeongdo attend a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on Oct. 23, 2026. Photo by Yoon Dongju.

Asked about the appointment of a special inspector, which is now moving forward for the first time in 10 years after the National Assembly adopted a report on the confirmation hearing, Kim said, "It's both a return to normalcy and a step forward." He said, "It's not easy for any government or any administration, but President Lee has had a strong commitment to it from the outset." Kim also said, "I'm fairly confident that there will be almost no cases of corruption involving the president's family or close associates, or of negligence in managing those around them, as we have seen in the past."

Meanwhile, Kim said he would reduce his appearances on "Minti 07," a Democratic Party TV program he had appeared on every weekday. "I have Supreme Council meetings, and I also need to visit sites in the morning. I think it would be good to appear every day for the first month after the program begins, then, once things are settled, take days off when there are meetings," he said.

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