Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, regarded as a likely presidential contender from the conservative bloc, said he was contemplating his next political steps amid the nation's ongoing political turmoil, while stressing that he feels obligated to complete his four-year mayoral term.
“I feel the responsibility to complete my term as Seoul mayor. On the other hand, there are calls for me to use my abilities for the greater good of the nation on a larger scale. These two great responsibilities are in conflict with each other, and I will continue to reflect deeply on this,” Oh said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency released Thursday.
“A moment will come when I must make a choice,” Oh added.
The four-term Seoul mayor stepped down from his post in 2011 after his proposal to limit free school lunches to low-income children was rejected in a referendum.
A decade later, he made a comeback by winning the 2021 by-election. After being reelected, his current term is set to run until June 2026.
Recent polling data reveals Oh’s status as one of the leading presidential hopefuls within the ruling People Power Party.
According to a Dec. 23-24 survey conducted by local pollster Gongjung, Oh led the pack among conservative contenders with 19 percent support from 307 supporters of the People Power Party.
Oh narrowly edged out former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon -- the former ruling party leader -- at 18.8 percent, with Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo next at 17.4 percent. Former Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Won Hee-ryong followed with 14.4 percent.
Meanwhile, Oh reaffirmed his dedication to the city by emphasizing his efforts to secure the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Oh posted on his Facebook account on Wednesday, “Seoul is moving full steam ahead to bid for the 2036 Olympics. Tomorrow, we begin the first round of field evaluations.”
Stressing South Korea’s rise as a cultural and technological powerhouse, Oh called the Summer Games an essential opportunity to showcase the nation’s vision for the future. Drawing comparisons to the 1988 Seoul Olympics, he said that hosting the event again would symbolize “South Korea’s emergence as a leader in soft power and innovation.”
