Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has effectively signaled his intention to run in the June 3 local elections, stating that his delayed announcement stems solely from his sense of responsibility as the incumbent mayor.
"As the sitting mayor, I believe it is my responsibility to manage city affairs as long as I can," Oh said at a book launch talk concert held in a building in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Thursday. "There is no other reason for the slight delay in my candidacy announcement."
"I am aware of various rumors surrounding me recently, but my mission is to establish Seoul as one of the world's top five cities, and I will do my best to fulfill that mission," Oh added.
The mayor's delayed announcement had fueled speculation in political circles that he might be eyeing the party leadership instead. His recent series of sharp social media posts criticizing the party leadership added to such analysis.
Oh took aim at People Power Party Acting Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok's statement on the first-instance verdict against former President Yoon Suk Yeol issued on January 20, calling it inappropriate as an official party position.
"Acting Chairman Jang's statement on the judiciary's ruling on former President Yoon cannot be seen as having followed proper prior procedures," Oh said. "For matters of such gravity, no matter how urgent, it is desirable and necessary to go through consensus-building procedures such as senior members' meetings and general assembly before releasing a position."
"I understand a general assembly will be held tomorrow. I will closely monitor how things proceed through these procedures," he continued. "I have exchanged opinions with many of you recently and confirmed that quite a few do not agree with the leadership."
Oh argued that the upcoming local elections must serve as a check on what he called the Lee Jae-myung government's attempt to seize control of all three branches of government.
"The Lee Jae-myung government's attempt to control all three branches is relentless," Oh said. "They are showing aggressive moves to subjugate not only the legislature but also the executive and judiciary. Many citizens see this as approaching true arrogance."
"I am approaching this local election with a sense of mission that it must be an election that sounds the alarm and serves as a check, forcing the government that has seized central power to exercise self-restraint," he emphasized.
More than 100 political figures attended the event, including National Assembly members Kwon Young-se, Kim Jae-seop, and Kwon Young-jin, as well as People Power Party Seoul chapter leaders and district mayors and council members.