Oh welcomes PPP resolution but delays decision

Mar 10, 2026, 09:14 am

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Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon leaves a restaurant in central Seoul on March 9 after the People Power Party adopted a resolution opposing the political return of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. /Yonhap News

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed a positive response to the People Power Party’s recent resolution distancing itself from former President Yoon Suk Yeol, but stopped short of confirming whether he will run in the upcoming local elections.

Oh had earlier declined to register for the party’s nomination process, calling for the party to clarify its political direction. His latest remarks have drawn attention to whether he may still enter the race.

Speaking to reporters on the evening of March 9 after meeting district mayors and Seoul Metropolitan Council members from the party at a restaurant in central Seoul, Oh said the resolution created a basic foundation for the party to compete in the election.

“I believe our party has established at least the minimum footing needed to fight the election,” he said. “It is truly something to be thankful for and welcome.”

However, he left his future plans open.

“I will discuss the matter with the party and watch how the resolution is implemented before making a decision,” he said.

Political observers interpret the remarks as Oh leaving open the possibility of entering the race while effectively passing the responsibility to the party leadership by saying he will monitor how the resolution is carried out.

The People Power Party adopted a resolution earlier in the day opposing calls for Yoon’s political return and emphasizing party unity ahead of the June 3 local elections.

Some within the party question what additional steps can realistically be taken to distance the party from Yoon, noting that he had already been expelled from the party and is currently under detention.

If the leadership’s follow-up actions fail to meet Oh’s expectations, analysts say he could still decide not to run, citing the need for a clearer political direction.

With uncertainty surrounding Oh’s decision, attention is also turning to the party leadership’s response.

The party’s nomination management committee said earlier that it may reopen the registration process if necessary, noting that several prominent incumbents, including Oh and South Chungcheong Governor Kim Tae-heum, had not submitted applications.

The committee added that the registration period could be extended, raising the possibility that additional candidate recruitment procedures may take place later this week.

#Oh Se-hoon #Seoul mayor #People Power Party #local elections 2026 #Yoon Suk Yeol