Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, expressed difficulty in understanding the acquittal of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on charges of violating political funding laws. Following a meeting on enhancing support for fire safety at the National Assembly, Kim told reporters, "It is a ruling that is hard to comprehend logically." He added, "It is concerning that this should not be a political ruling."
Kim emphasized, "There is still an opportunity for a strict ruling from the Supreme Court, and I look forward to their judgment." Earlier, during an appearance on the Democratic Party's YouTube channel, Mint07, Kim noted, "While new evidence has emerged during the appeals process following the first trial, I have not found any circumstances that would change the guilty verdict." He predicted that a re-election for the Seoul mayoral position is likely.
Additionally, Kim had promised during the Democratic Party's convention, which concluded on August 17, to seek re-confirmation through potential by-elections for the Seoul mayor and the Gangneung parliamentary seat, previously held by former People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong.
According to Article 57 of the Political Fund Act, "Anyone who is sentenced to a fine of 1 million won or more for the crime of receiving political funds improperly cannot assume or be appointed to a public office for five years after the sentence is finalized, and those already in office must resign." Oh's acquittal in the second trial has disrupted Kim's plans.
Meanwhile, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7, led by Chief Judge Koo Hoe-geun, overturned the original ruling that imposed a fine of 10 million won and a confiscation of 21 million won on Mayor Oh, declaring him not guilty. If the special prosecutor appeals, the Supreme Court is expected to decide on Oh's continuation in office.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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