Seoul City has recently reported a surge in the number of lawsuits filed against media outlets with the Media Arbitration Commission (MAC). This increase, particularly noted since the latter half of last year, has sparked discussions that Mayor Oh Se-hoon may be exerting pressure on media reports that portray him unfavorably as the local elections approach. As of February 2023, Seoul City had filed 36 complaints with the MAC, where they seek corrections or damages for alleged defamatory reports that they claim distort the truth.

Since the second half of last year, the lawsuits have intensified, with a notable concentration in the months leading up to the elections. In 2023 alone, there were 20 lawsuits initiated, with significant numbers concentrated from June onwards. This trend raises questions about the implications for press freedom in the run-up to elections, as many of the complaints involve major projects pursued by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, including the Han River Bus and the Seun Arcade redevelopment, indicating a pattern in the types of cases being filed against media outlets.

Of the 36 lawsuits, it was found that only four resulted in corrections through MAC mediation, while a staggering 71% concluded with a rebuttal format that included explanations from Seoul City regardless of the original report's factual accuracy. This highlights a strategic approach by the city government towards handling media criticism, which appears to favor rebuttal over consequential corrections, potentially shaping how media narratives are constructed in the future, especially concerning the mayor’s public image.