As the June 3 Seoul mayoral election approaches, a fierce exchange of negative campaigning is intensifying between Jung Won-oh of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party. With polls showing a tight race, both candidates and their parties are ramping up efforts to sway voters in the final days of the campaign.
Lee In-young, the head of Jung's campaign committee, held a press conference on May 31 and asserted, "Oh is not free from severe criticism regarding negligence in safety over the past decade, including the Itaewon tragedy and the Seosomun overpass collapse."
Kang Jun-hyun, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, pointed out Oh's recent remark during a televised debate, where he questioned, "What good does it do for me to go to Samseong Station right now?" Kang interpreted this as an admission of failure in managing safety for Seoul citizens and a blatant declaration of evading responsibility.
In response, the opposition has focused on Jung's moral integrity. Jang Dong-hyuk, the People Power Party leader, held a press conference that day, accusing Jung of being a candidate unfit for office due to his association with President Lee Jae-myung and the passage of harmful legislation.
Jang further criticized the president for hosting a fish party at Jagalchi Market on the day of the Seosomun overpass collapse, claiming that the president later directed a raid on Seoul City Hall. He also stated, "Jung failed to explain any policies during the TV debate, showing his lack of competence."
The level of criticism between the candidates has escalated. Oh Se-hoon labeled Jung as a "puppet of the president" during a press conference at his campaign office, arguing that Jung would not challenge any misguided policies from the president. He emphasized, "What Seoul needs now is not a puppet but a guardian of citizens' rights."
In turn, Jung accused Oh of being silent during President Yoon Suk-yeol's oppressive governance, stating, "Claiming he will express his opinions in front of President Lee is nothing short of a declaration of political conflict."
The number of legal complaints related to the mayoral election has also surged into double digits. As of May 30, there have been 13 reported cases of complaints and legal actions. Of these, 10 were filed by Jung's campaign and the Democratic Party. Jung's team accused Oh's campaign of manipulating public opinion and filed complaints for obstruction of business and violations of election laws. Oh's camp has denied these allegations.
Mutual accusations regarding past violence allegations against Jung have also emerged. The Democratic Party filed complaints against People Power Party lawmakers Joo Jin-woo and Kim Jae-seop for violations of election laws, while the People Power Party countered with accusations of false reporting against Democratic lawmakers Seo Young-kyo and Lee Joo-hee.
The escalating conflict in the Seoul mayoral race is attributed to the close competition between the two candidates, with recent polls indicating they are neck-and-neck or tied within the margin of error.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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