Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Faces Possible Disqualification Over Campaign Finance Violation

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has been sentenced to a fine of 10 million won for violating campaign finance laws by having a supporter cover the costs of a public opinion poll. If the Supreme Court confirms the sentence, he will be required to resign from his position. The application of the special prosecutor's '6-3-3 principle' raises the possibility of a by-election in April next year.

The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22, presided over by Judge Jo Hyung-woo, imposed a fine of 10 million won and restitution of 21 million won on Mayor Oh on July 22 for his campaign finance law violations.

Under current law, if an elected official is confirmed to have received a fine of over 1 million won for violating campaign finance laws, their election is rendered invalid. Should Mayor Oh's case lead to a fine of over 1 million won that is upheld by the Supreme Court, he would lose his position as mayor.

The possibility of a by-election has been raised following the imposition of the fine. Notably, this case was prosecuted by a special prosecutor, and the '6-3-3 principle' applies, which, while not absolute, suggests that a first trial should conclude within six months, with subsequent appeals taking three months each.

If a fine exceeding 1 million won is confirmed by the Supreme Court, a by-election for the Seoul mayoral position will be held, likely in April or October of next year.