"My opponent is not just someone with different views. It is unreason that can quickly dismantle the order we have worked hard to maintain and unconscionable behavior that denies the responsibilities of candidates seeking the people's choice."
Oh Se-hoon, the candidate for Seoul mayor, expressed his determination to fight fiercely as the election nears. He framed the election as a critical battle to protect Seoul, emphasizing the urgency of his message.
On May 27, Oh posted a lengthy message on his Facebook page titled "I will definitely win against unreason and unconscionable acts." He stated, "As election day approaches, my sense of urgency deepens. This is not just about my personal victory; we must win to protect the citizens of Seoul and ensure South Korea follows the right path."
He described the Seoul mayoral election as "the second most important and significant election after the presidential election," expressing strong concerns about the current electoral atmosphere.
"I have participated in many elections, but I have never seen one as dire as this," Oh said, claiming that powerful forces are deceiving voters and that the ruling party candidate's attitude is degrading the dignity of the Seoul mayoral race.
Targeting his opponent, he questioned, "What qualifications does a candidate hiding behind immense power and avoiding competition and scrutiny have to lead Seoul? Can a candidate who evades questions and uses easily exposed falsehoods to escape immediate crises be responsible for Seoul's future?"
Oh also voiced his dissatisfaction with the economic situation.
"Is it right to call the current state of high interest rates, high prices, and high exchange rates 'the cost of success' while the lives of citizens are faltering?" he asked, adding that the real estate market is devastated and the rental crisis is reaching catastrophic levels.
He continued, "The cries and screams that cannot reach the inner sanctums are enveloping the streets and neighborhoods. The citizens left behind after the noisy election are holding back tears, feeling they have nowhere to turn."
Oh characterized this election not merely as a political contest but as a battle for the values of 'order and reason.'
"I am not just facing opponents with different philosophies and directions; I am fighting against unreason that threatens the order we have painstakingly maintained and unconscionable behavior that disregards the minimal responsibilities of candidates," he emphasized.
He concluded, "Despite the ongoing grueling campaign, my resolve is growing stronger. I will not yield to unreason and unconscionable acts, and I will continue to rally support."
Political analysts interpret Oh's message as a clear indication of his strategy to frame the final days of the campaign around the themes of 'stability versus scrutiny' and 'reason versus unreason.' There are also analyses suggesting he aims to elevate the Seoul mayoral election from a mere local power struggle to a symbolic contest over the future direction of national governance and political order.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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