Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has expressed his intention to run for a fifth term amidst internal conflicts within his party, while facing a challenge from his Democratic Party opponent, Jung Won-oh.
During a New Year's press conference, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon confirmed his bid for a fifth term, emphasizing his commitment to protecting Seoul amidst rising tensions within the People Power Party and speculation about his departure. He criticized the party leadership for their handling of electoral challenges, asserting that their statements about unity are not credible to the public, linking their missteps to declining approval ratings. Oh's remarks follow recent polling indicating that he is trailing behind Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate, in potential matchups for the forthcoming mayoral election.
In the context of the election, a survey commissioned by Straight News showed Jung leading Oh with 47.5% support compared to Oh's 33.3%, to which Oh acknowledged his shortcomings and pledged to improve. Notably, Oh had previously praised Jung for being distinct from other Democratic challengers, but his recent comments reflect a shift in his perception of Jung’s capabilities, particularly criticizing the delays in the development of the Sampo remicon factory site, which he says highlights inefficiencies.
Oh's remarks and the dynamics of his campaign indicate a significant challenge ahead, as he navigates not only the rivalry with Jung but also internal party conflicts. His determination to continue a fifth term reflects both his confidence and the high stakes involved in the upcoming election, as local electoral politics are increasingly influenced by the broader national political landscape.
