[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon officially declared his candidacy at the opposition's presidential election 'kingmaker' group, "For a Better World" (Mapo Forum). He also proposed forming a five-person roundtable consisting of opposition potential candidates, including himself, Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, and Hong Joon-pyo, former leader of the Liberty Korea Party.
On the 22nd, at the Mapo Forum in the Hyundai Building, Mapo District, former Mayor Oh stated, "The next election depends on whether we can win the hearts of ordinary heads of households and mothers who are indifferent to the ideological confrontation between left and right."
He diagnosed, "Ultimately, a practical leader who can improve living conditions is needed," and "It will be a battle over who can secure more support from moderate voters."
Former Mayor Oh emphasized competitiveness, saying, "The most important brand to secure for victory is a non-ideological national interest and livelihood solution," and "Ultimately, who can enable expansion toward the center? You all know better about Oh Se-hoon’s brand image."
He highlighted that he is making efforts to anticipate the spirit of the times and prepare alternatives, as well as his strengths such as proven cleanliness and competence. He also stressed that he has preempted key issues like real estate. Former Mayor Oh said, "Above all, I have valuable successful experience in real estate issues that differentiates me from any other candidate," and questioned, "Who can confidently present real estate solutions based on experience?"
He also called for unity among opposition potential candidates who are competing together. He proposed, "I suggest regular meetings of the provisional National Normalization Emergency Coalition (Gukbi-yeon)," adding, "A five-person roundtable consisting of Ahn Cheol-soo, Oh Se-hoon, Won Hee-ryong, Yoo Seung-min, and Hong Joon-pyo (in alphabetical order) is expected to regularly meet and present organized positions on nationally important issues."
He said, "Who becomes the next president is the next issue," and urged, "Let’s put aside personal ambitions and political interests, and first unite to form a strong scrum."
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