Oh registers candidacy amid reform pressure

Mar 18, 2026, 08:19 am

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Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon speaks at a press briefing at Seoul City Hall on March 17 regarding his candidacy in the June 3 local elections.

Oh Se-hoon officially entered the ruling People Power Party’s primary for the Seoul mayoral election on Tuesday, easing immediate tensions within the party while continuing to press for internal reform.

Oh, who had previously refused to participate in the primary process, submitted his candidacy after more than a week of pressure on the party leadership. His decision allows the party to move forward with its nomination race, avoiding what insiders described as a worst-case scenario of failing to form a competitive slate.

“I am registering as a candidate today out of a sense of responsibility to the citizens of Seoul and a commitment to put the party before myself,” Oh said during a press conference at City Hall.

Despite his entry into the race, Oh maintained criticism of the party leadership and reiterated his call for the launch of an “innovative election campaign committee” with authority comparable to an emergency leadership body.

He argued that meaningful reform must follow recent party resolutions, adding that the leadership had failed to demonstrate sufficient willingness to change. Oh also criticized the party’s failure to distance itself from far-right YouTubers, warning that the party was being led in the wrong direction.

“I will push for party reform starting in Seoul and ensure the establishment of an innovation-focused campaign committee equivalent to an emergency committee,” he said.

Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk welcomed Oh’s candidacy, saying, “With Oh’s registration, we are now entering a full-fledged primary. I hope we can have a great race and unite to secure victory in the Seoul mayoral election.”

The leadership signaled a willingness to pursue both change and internal stability. While acknowledging the need for an innovation-focused campaign body, party officials drew a line at stepping down from their current roles.

“An innovative campaign committee has already been under discussion, and there is consensus on the need to win the election,” said senior spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon, adding that differences with Oh appear to have narrowed.

The party is expected to launch its campaign committee in late April, after finalizing its list of candidates.

Although Oh’s decision has temporarily eased tensions, observers describe the situation as a “conditional truce” rather than a full resolution. A senior party lawmaker noted that whether the party can form a unified front will depend on how the leadership responds in the coming weeks.

#Oh Se-hoon #Seoul mayor election #People Power Party #party reform