A witness in the trial concerning allegations of bribery in Oh Se-hoon's polling practices claimed that polls were manipulated in his favor, which Oh Se-hoon has denied.
Kang Hye-kyung, who testified as a witness in the trial against Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon regarding bribery allegations related to polling practices, claimed that the polls were manipulated under the direction of Myung Tae-kyun to benefit Mayor Oh. During the hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, she stated that Myung was involved in discussions with Oh about his aspirations, suggesting that he would only be able to succeed in local politics before considering the presidency. This context provided a framework in which the polls were conducted to ensure favorable results for Oh against rival Na Kyung-won.
Kang further testified that she was instructed to make adjustments to polling results to reduce the gap between Oh and Na. She also indicated that certain business figures were financially backing these manipulations. She detailed specific instructions from Myung to conduct polls that would portray Oh in a more favorable light, signifying a premeditated effort to control public perception ahead of the upcoming 2021 mayoral election. The integrity of polling practices and their potential for subversion raise questions about fairness in political competitions.
In response, Oh Se-hoon’s team rebutted Kang’s claims, stating that most of her assertions were merely hearsay and not backed by solid evidence. The case has broader implications, as it not only impacts Oh’s political career but also brings to light concerns over the ethical conduct of political financing and the integrity of electoral processes in South Korea. As the trial unfolds, the scrutiny on candidates’ campaign practices intensifies, potentially influencing voter sentiment and the political landscape.
