People Power Party Selects Oh Se-hoon as Seoul Mayoral Candidate
Synopsis
In a pivotal political move, the People Power Party of South Korea has nominated incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon for the upcoming local elections on June 3. Oh's vision and experience could significantly impact the city's future.
Key Takeaways
Oh Se-hoon is the candidate for the PPP in the local elections.
He aims for his third consecutive and fifth overall term as mayor .
Oh's vision focuses on affordable housing and co-prosperity .
The elections are viewed as a crucial battleground for democracy.
His main rival is Chong Won-o from the Democratic Party.
On April 18, in a significant political development, South Korea's principal opposition group, the People Power Party (PPP), announced its nomination of the sitting Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon as their candidate for the upcoming mayoral election scheduled for June 3.
In a competitive primary, Oh triumphed over PPP Representative Park Soo-min and former Representative Yun Hee-suk, as reported by Rep. Park Duk-hyum, the head of the party's nomination committee. This victory positions him against Chong Won-o, the candidate from the ruling Democratic Party (DP).
Oh is determined to secure his third consecutive and fifth term as mayor of Seoul, according to Yonhap news agency.
During a press conference following his nomination, Oh described the position of Seoul's mayor as the “last line of defense” against what he termed the “recklessness” of the Lee Jae Myung administration.
“These local elections represent more than just a routine event every four years; they are a decisive arena for reinstating law and order and a balanced democracy,” he declared at the party headquarters.
If reelected, Oh promised to view this as a mandate from the citizens to revitalize the opposition party, hinting at the turmoil faced by the PPP following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial martial law declaration in 2024.
Criticizing the ruling party for its ineffective real estate policies, Oh presented a five-point vision for Seoul, emphasizing co-prosperity and affordable housing.
Regarding his rival Chong, Oh expressed that Chong's administrative approach could backfire, urging citizens to make a “wise” choice.
In response, Chong posted on Facebook, extending his congratulations to Oh and expressing anticipation for a “fair and dignified competition” that honors the citizens of Seoul.
Born in 1961, Oh embarked on his political career in 2000 by winning a parliamentary seat in Seoul's Gangnam district. Although he announced his retirement four years later, he returned to the political arena in 2006, becoming the first Seoul mayor in his 40s.
Oh secured reelection but resigned in 2011 after his mayoralty hinged on the outcome of a referendum regarding free school meals.
After a decade away from the political landscape, he made a comeback by winning a by-election in April 2021 and was subsequently reelected in 2022.
Point of View
The nomination of Oh Se-hoon by the People Power Party signifies a crucial moment in South Korean politics, particularly as the nation approaches local elections. Oh's history and proposed policies will be central to public discourse, reflecting the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the political landscape.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the June 3 local elections?
The June 3 local elections are critical as they will determine the leadership of Seoul and reflect public sentiment towards the current administration.
What are Oh Se-hoon's goals if reelected?
If reelected, Oh Se-hoon aims to rebuild the opposition party and focus on co-prosperity and affordable housing for Seoul's citizens.
Who is Oh's main opponent in the election?
Oh Se-hoon's main opponent is Chong Won-o, the candidate from the ruling Democratic Party.
What challenges did Oh Se-hoon face in his political career?
Oh Se-hoon has faced challenges including a resignation over a referendum on free school meals and a decade-long absence from politics.
