Oh Se-hoon Proposes Debate with Jung Won-o Ahead of Local Elections

Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, reiterated his call for a one-on-one debate with Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate, on May 14, just six days before the local elections. Oh suggested that Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae could moderate the debate, stating, "I hope at least one or two debates can be held."

Speaking at a forum hosted by the Korean Newspaper and Broadcasting Editors Association in central Seoul, Oh said, "I am open to any format, time, place, or topic for the debate."

He expressed frustration, saying, "Whenever I propose a debate, Jung gives evasive answers. Considering the public's right to know, I hope he reconsiders and shows at least a minimum level of courtesy."

Oh emphasized the significance of the upcoming election, stating, "This election is a crossroads for whether the Lee Jae-myung administration will adopt a humble approach or transition into a more overt form of soft dictatorship. Absolute power corrupts absolutely; this is a historical truth."

He warned that if Democratic Party candidates win in major local governments like Seoul and Busan, the current soft dictatorship under President Lee Jae-myung could become more severe. "I hope a minimum foothold for checking the government can be secured," he added.

Oh also highlighted the choice between returning to the past of former Mayor Park Won-soon or moving toward the future. He pointed out that during Park's ten-year tenure, 389 redevelopment and reconstruction projects were canceled, leading to a significant reduction in housing supply and contributing to the current real estate crisis.

He noted, "The people who implemented those policies are still within the Democratic Party and have joined Jung's campaign. Now that the election is approaching, they promise to increase housing supply and expedite projects, but there is a high likelihood they will revert to their old ways without reflection."

Regarding electoral cooperation with the leadership of Jang Dong-hyuk, Oh stated, "We have entered a phase where strategic role division between the central party and candidates is necessary." He remarked, "With only about three weeks left until the election, it is now the candidates' time. The party's role is secondary."

He added, "Elections are filled with the candidates' brands, policies, pledges, and messages. If the central party can assist, it should focus on the electoral landscape, such as actively fighting against the recent special prosecution law on canceled indictments and promoting its negative impacts."

On the recent controversy over the 'national dividend,' Oh stated, "The central party needs to address whether the distribution related to semiconductors is a desirable government stance for the nation's future and articulate a vision for a better future as the opposition party."