Oh-Han-Lee Triangle: Conservative Leadership Contest Faces a Tough Road

Following Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s “political survival,” the so-called “Oh-Han-Lee alliance” among independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon and former Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok has drawn attention. However, the three potential presidential contenders face obstacles, including competition for leadership and deep-rooted distrust, and the road ahead is expected to be difficult.

According to political circles on October 27, Mayor Oh had dinner the previous evening at Seoul Partners House in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, with lawmakers Yun Sang-hyun, Shin Seong-beom, Kim Seok-ki, Kim Mi-ae, Lee Man-hee, Lee Sang-hwi, Cho Eun-hee, and Cho Jung-hoon, as well as former party leader Lee. The dinner was a gesture of thanks to those who accompanied him when the appellate court delivered its ruling on October 23 in his case over alleged violations of the Political Funds Act.

Yonhap News Agency

Attendees said the gathering was not factional in nature, as it was simply a gesture of thanks. However, Mayor Oh reportedly said that he intended to focus on city administration and that “conservatives must unite.” He is also scheduled to host a dinner today to exchange views with lawmakers who could not attend the previous evening.

The Oh-Han-Lee alliance has been raised as one way to unite conservatives. Lawmaker Yun Sang-hyun appeared on YTN’s “Jang Seong-cheol’s News Myeongdang,” saying, “I am the Franz Beckenbauer (libero) of conservative unity.” He added, “For us to move forward together, the presidential contenders need to reach a gentleman’s agreement on party leadership, create a platform for a grand conservative coalition, and fight the general election together.”

Lawmaker Kim Yong-tae appeared on KBS’s “Jeonggyeok Sisa” today and said, “Whether it is Mayor Oh, lawmaker Han, or lawmaker Lee, each is an important asset to the conservative camp.” He added, “The public hopes that they will all unite and build a healthy conservative party—at times criticizing the government and ruling party, and at other times engaging in internal criticism and self-reform.”

However, there are also considerable obstacles to the Oh-Han-Lee alliance. To begin with, deep-rooted distrust remains between lawmaker Han and former party leader Lee. Commenting on the proposed alliance, Lee indirectly criticized Han, saying, “People who plot behind the scenes every time and act against the rules of fair play are not acceptable.” Han has not made any notable response.

The two sides have been at odds since around the 21st general election. Lawmaker Park Jeong-ha, who is aligned with Han, appeared on MBC’s “Kim Jong-bae’s Focus” today and said of Lee, “His support base overlaps considerably with Han’s.” He added, “The Reform Party is in a very difficult position, and it will need to work with us before the general election to maintain its very existence.”

Mayor Oh and lawmaker Han are also long-term rivals. On the day the appellate court delivered its ruling in Mayor Oh’s case, lawmakers widely considered to be aligned with Han did not appear at the Seoul High Court. Given the anti-Han or non-Han sentiment within the party, some observers also expect Mayor Oh to keep his distance from Han, as he needs influence within the National Assembly.

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