Oh Se-hoon Appeals for Support, Criticizes Opponent as 'Puppet Mayor'

Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, called for public support on May 14 to halt the Democratic Party's arrogant dominance. He emphasized that his opponent, Jung Won-oh, would become a "puppet mayor" beholden to President Lee Jae-myung, highlighting his own experience in city governance. Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, who met with Oh, remarked that the current administration's real estate policies are severely problematic and expressed confidence that Oh could address these issues.

During the press conference in front of Seoul City Hall, Oh stated, "This mayoral election is a critical turning point that will determine the direction of Seoul and South Korea. I hope you will prove through your valuable votes what path Seoul should take."

Oh raised concerns about the need to check the power of President Lee and the Democratic Party, stating, "Using a special prosecutor appointed by the president to absolve the president of wrongdoing is an outrageous arrogance. We must send a strong warning against the arrogant dominance of great power."

He added, "After the 10 years of darkness under former Mayor Park Won-soon, I have restored the city to its rightful place. Seoul's competitiveness is on the rise in evaluations of major global cities, and the reality of becoming one of the world's top three cities is within reach. I urge you to vote for Seoul's leap forward."

Oh criticized Jung's handling of real estate issues, saying, "The Democratic Party's fundamental DNA does not change. After the election, they will block reconstruction and redevelopment with regulations, crushing the dream of homeownership. How can we entrust the lives of Seoul's citizens to a puppet mayor who only looks to President Lee?"

In a subsequent Q&A session with reporters, Oh accused Jung of copying the real estate policies pursued by the Seoul city government over the past five years without giving credit. He called for policy verification through both multi-party and one-on-one debates.

Regarding the narrowing gap in approval ratings with Jung, Oh commented, "Jung's immorality has been exposed, and his failure to clearly express his stance on issues has likely been reflected in his declining competitiveness. His overinflated image has been stripped away."

After the press conference, Oh met with Yoo Seung-min, stating, "Yoo expressed his willingness to support me during this challenging time for the party. I feel like I have gained a great ally."

Yoo noted, "I have been watching Oh's various actions for change and innovation amid the party's overall difficulties, and I believe he must succeed for the future of Seoul, its citizens, our party, and conservatism. I will do everything I can to help him win. I plan to start my support from the official campaign launch on the 21st."

Yoo also commented on the serious real estate issues under the Lee administration, stating, "The flawed real estate policies, including loan regulations, are leading us in the wrong direction. Oh, with his supply-centered approach, can play a significant role in solving real estate and housing problems."