Seoul's Mayor Oh Se-hoon Declines Presidential Bid

Seoul, April 12 (NationPress) On Saturday, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced he will not pursue a candidacy in the June 3 presidential election. He expressed regret regarding the shortcomings of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration.

This declaration was made at the headquarters of the People Power Party in western Seoul, contrary to expectations that he would enter the race following Yoon's removal due to a controversial martial law attempt in December.

Oh stated, "To restore the abnormal back to normal, I will be the priming water, like a soldier without a rank." He conveyed a deep sense of responsibility and despair regarding the impeachment of the president produced by his party.

He humbly acknowledged the disruptions in state affairs and the disappointment caused to the public, asserting, "No one in our party is free from responsibility for the failure of the Yoon Suk Yeol government."

Oh urged his party members and potential presidential candidates to prioritize growth and assist the underprivileged. He committed to collaborating with those who share his vision for a new government, according to a report by Yonhap news agency.

Several conservative politicians have already declared their intentions to run in the upcoming election, including former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo and ex-PPP leader Han Dong-hoon.

In the meantime, the South Korean government has officially set June 3 as the date for the next presidential election, following the impeachment of Yoon.

This decision came during a Cabinet meeting, just four days after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon's impeachment, which stemmed from his brief attempt to impose martial law.

According to constitutional requirements, a new election must be conducted within 60 days of a presidential vacancy.

The government has also declared June 3 a temporary public holiday.

The National Election Commission has initiated early candidate registration following the dismissal of Yoon last Friday.

All candidates must register by May 11, with the official campaign commencing on May 12.

Moreover, public servants intending to run for President must resign at least 30 days prior to the election, establishing May 4 as the cutoff date.

The newly elected President will take office immediately after the election without a transition team.

The previous early election, following the removal of former President Park Geun-hye on March 10, 2017, was held precisely 60 days later on May 9.

Yoon, who swiftly transitioned from a top prosecutor to the presidency in around three years, has become the second South Korean president to be formally ousted, following a tumultuous attempt at martial law that polarized the nation.

With this ruling, Yoon, aged 64, joins the ranks of former President Park Geun-hye, who was impeached in 2017 over a major corruption scandal upheld by the Constitutional Court.