Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, criticized his rival Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party over a controversy involving a forced kiss at a campaign event in Yangcheon-gu the previous day. He stated, "Jung did not intervene and just laughed, which shows he lacks the qualities needed for a mayor."
Speaking to reporters before a rally near Wolgok Station in Seongbuk-gu on June 1, Oh pointed out, "Based on his immediate judgment in handling the situation, Jung is an unprepared candidate in many ways."
Oh specifically condemned Jung for not reacting when Woo Hyung-chan, the Democratic Party's candidate for Yangcheon-gu mayor, urged a child in Jung's arms to "give a kiss." He said, "Jung just smiled. If he had any awareness of the issue, he should have politely intervened, but there was no such intervention at all."
He added, "Such behavior will serve as material for citizens to make wise judgments."
Oh further remarked, "Although the election period seems short, it is sufficient to reveal all the qualities of a candidate. The kiss controversy also reflects the usual thoughts of the Democratic Party and candidate Jung."
Meanwhile, Jung responded to the controversy by stating, "There was an unexpected action from the Yangcheon-gu mayoral candidate yesterday, but our camp addressed the issue on-site."
After holding a press conference titled 'An Appeal to the Citizens of Seoul' at Seoul Station in Yongsan-gu on the same day, Jung added, "I feel a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that such issues do not recur."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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