Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon faced a setback in his ongoing legal troubles as key witness Myung Tae-kyun failed to attend the trial. Myung was expected to confront Oh for the first time in court regarding allegations that Oh received financial support for public opinion surveys during the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election. This trial includes allegations of violating political fundraising laws and the absence of Myung has postponed witness hearings until the next scheduled date on the 20th. Moreover, the court attempted to impose a fine on Myung for his non-appearance, yet procedural complications regarding his address have hindered this action.

During the proceedings, Oh took the opportunity to announce his consideration of filing legal distortion charges against Special Prosecutor Min Jung-ki. Oh accused Min of inversely categorizing victims and perpetrators in a case where Myung and another individual, Kang Hye-kyung, had previously confessed to committing fraud yet escaped prosecution. Oh's claim underscores his belief that the charges have been politically motivated, alleging that Min prioritized the prosecution of what he labeled as 'victims' of his actions rather than pursuing those who admitted to wrongdoing. Furthermore, Oh remarked that the treatment of this investigation serves to shield the current regime rather than uphold justice.

Oh's commentary indicates a rising tension within Seoul's political landscape as accusations of selective prosecution proliferate. He implied that the Special Prosecutor's office had sufficient evidence to pursue charges against Myung and Kang, particularly during a politically sensitive election season. His intention to legally challenge Min could escalate conflicts within local criminal justice proceedings and may further influence public perception as the city approaches future elections. The legal confrontations also highlight the intricate intersection of politics and the judicial system in South Korea, raising questions about fairness and accountability in public office investigations.