"Withdrawing the indictment against President Lee Jae-myung is the prelude to a new class-based society and the signal of this administration's self-destruction."
In front of Amsa General Market in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 31st, three days before the June 3 local elections, People Power Party Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon climbed onto a campaign vehicle as supporters waved red towels in heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and shoppers streamed through the market. His voice was somewhat hoarse, perhaps from the recent grueling schedule, but his message — sharply targeting the controversy over withdrawing President Lee's indictment and highlighting the need to check the administration — remained pointed.
Oh criticized the dominant ruling party's unilateral push and energized the atmosphere on the ground. "Creating a special prosecutor law that would allow indictments to be withdrawn just before an election is a declaration of war against the people," he said, raising his voice. "After seizing the legislative and executive branches, this is a runaway power trying to neutralize even the judicial system, and we must stop it in Seoul." He added, "I will protect democratic values and restore balance," drawing applause and chants of "Oh Se-hoon" from the crowd.
The check-on-power argument quickly extended to real estate issues. "Misguided housing policies have driven up jeonse and monthly rents, making life harder for ordinary citizens," Oh said. "Immediately after being elected, I will attend cabinet meetings and strongly demand measures to normalize the market, including easing relocation loan regulations and raising floor area ratios for private redevelopment projects."
He also took aim at his rival, Democratic Party Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh. "A candidate chosen by the president cannot conduct independent city administration," Oh said. "Only Oh Se-hoon can stop the one-way traffic of huge power and protect citizens' rights and interests."
After the morning rally, Oh moved to the plaza in front of Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon to court younger voters. Starting from Achasan, he visited Amsa Market, Jamsil Baseball Stadium, and Yeongdeungpo Times Square in succession, continuing what he called his "88-hour unlimited responsibility campaign."
With the election imminent, public sentiment on the ground was sharply divided. Citizens who agreed with Oh's check-on-power argument expressed active support.
Kim, a 32-year-old office worker met at Amsa Market, said, "The government keeps adding regulations claiming it will rein in housing prices, but I'm worried we may end up repeating what happened under the Moon Jae-in administration. If the government is the Democratic Party and the Seoul city government is also the Democratic Party, who will provide checks?" Choi, 34, met in front of Jamsil Baseball Stadium, said, "Even in baseball, frequently changing managers mid-season destabilizes a team. Suddenly replacing the head of Seoul city is unsettling."
On the other hand, there were also no shortage of voices calling for political stability and a change in city administration. Yoon, a 45-year-old self-employed worker met near Jamsil Baseball Stadium, said, "To resolve Seoul's pending issues with momentum, we need a mayor who can coordinate with the central government. I think we should give strength to a ruling party–leaning candidate who can cooperate with the government."
