Oh Se-hoon Resumes Campaign, Calls Police Search a Government Election Interference

 
 Oh Se-hoon, the candidate for Seoul mayor from the People Power Party, resumed his campaign on May 29, three days after the Seosomun overpass collapse halted his activities. He strongly criticized the police's search of Seoul City Hall, calling it "blatant election interference," while focusing his efforts on winning over voters in the northern districts and among young people.
 
 On the first day of early voting for the June 3 local elections, Oh completed his own early vote in Yongsan and then visited Dobong, Gangbuk, Seodaemun, and Dongdaemun districts to intensify his campaign.
 
 Analysts suggest that this campaign resumption carries more significance than a mere return to electioneering. Despite the cautious atmosphere following the accident, Oh is positioning himself to consolidate his support base and attract moderate voters by emphasizing the need for government oversight and stability in the final stretch of the election.
 
 During a rally near Chang-dong Station in Dobong, Oh directly targeted his opponent, Jeong Won-oh of the Democratic Party, stating, "He has no genuine interest in the development of northern Seoul."
 
 He added, "Does Jeong think of northern Seoul as his voting ground while he actively campaigns in southern Seoul? In yesterday's TV debate, when asked about northern Seoul's development, he gave irrelevant answers."
 
 Oh reminded voters, "Do you remember when I lifted the height restrictions on the slopes of Bukhansan while serving as mayor? Development in northern Seoul should be demonstrated through action, not just words."
 
 He also expanded his outreach to young voters by visiting university areas near Yonsei University and Kyung Hee University. This strategy aims to mobilize the relatively conservative yet low-turnout 2030 demographic to the polls.
 
 At Yonsei University, where a festival was underway, Oh engaged with students, taking photos and fostering a friendly atmosphere.
 
 In his rally near Sinchon Station, he addressed economic issues, stating, "Even if stock prices hit 7,000 or 8,000 points, it doesn't improve the financial situation for ordinary citizens. For those living paycheck to paycheck, it's a different story altogether."
 
 A major issue in the election is the police's search of Seoul City Hall related to the Seosomun incident. The police conducted searches of city hall and its affiliated agencies, prompting immediate backlash from Oh. He questioned, "Is it reasonable to conduct a search just five days before the election? Would this have happened if I were the Democratic candidate?"
 
 Oh urged Jeong not to rely on support from the president and investigative agencies but to compete fairly based on policies and vision.
 
 The People Power Party also raised allegations of "government election interference" and intensified its criticism. Members of the party's National Assembly Administrative Safety Committee announced plans to visit the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on May 30 to protest.
 
 Oh continued to pressure Jeong for additional debates, stating, "It is regrettable that only one TV debate has occurred due to Jeong's avoidance. Avoiding debates suggests that there is something he wants to hide, whether it's the truth or his abilities."
 
 The People Power Party has officially proposed a live TV debate between Oh and Jeong on June 1 or 2.
 
 Political analysts believe this Seoul mayoral election will serve as a crucial test of public sentiment following the new administration's launch, extending beyond a mere local election. Voter turnout, particularly among northern Seoul residents and young voters, is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome.



* This article has been translated by AI.

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