"Apologize, Moon Jae-in" Na Kyung-won, Oh Se-hoon, and Ahn Cheol-soo Unite in Full Force to Criticize President Moon [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Seoul Mayoral Candidates' 'Judgment on Moon Jae-in Administration' Efforts to Unite Conservative Base

Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won is declaring her candidacy for the Seoul mayoral by-election on the 13th near the food alley in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Candidates officially running for the Seoul mayoral by-election have simultaneously launched attacks on President Moon Jae-in. Former Future United Party (now People Power Party) lawmaker Na Kyung-won directly accused the Moon administration of betraying the people's expectations, while former Mayor Oh Se-hoon demanded that President Moon personally apologize at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, criticized the Moon government for plunging ordinary citizens into even greater suffering. This is interpreted as a political move to emphasize the ruling party and government's failure in livelihood policies and to rally conservative supporters.

Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon officially declared his candidacy for the 'April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election' today (17th). Oh held a press conference at 'Buk Seoul Dream Forest' in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, stating sharply, "President Moon Jae-in, along with his former cabinet members, should prostrate themselves at Gwanghwamun Square and apologize to the people."

Oh criticized, "The irreparable grave sin of the Moon administration is that they drove the lives of ordinary citizens, vulnerable groups, and youth?whom they so prominently championed?to the brink, kicked away the ladder of social mobility, and completely cut off the sprouts of hope for the future. The division, dictatorship, disregard for the rule of law, and destruction of fairness and common sense are so severe that even a profound apology from President Moon would not suffice."

Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is declaring his candidacy for the Seoul mayoral by-election on the morning of the 17th at Buk Seoul Dream Forest in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Following his candidacy announcement, Oh firmly stated in response to reporters' questions about a future presidential bid, "I have no thoughts about a presidential run at this time."

Earlier, on the morning of the 13th, former lawmaker Na Kyung-won held a press conference in the Itaewon-dong food alley area of Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to announce her candidacy and launch her campaign, directly targeting and criticizing President Moon.

Na pointed out, "The Moon administration has betrayed the people's expectations. Moreover, amid the COVID-19 crisis, Seoul lost its leadership due to the previous mayor's sexual misconduct allegations."

She continued, "As a result, we see a frustrating Seoul that cannot even properly clear snow, and an irresponsible Seoul that ultimately failed to protect Jeong-in Yang. This cannot continue. Seoul must be rebuilt with strong determination and meticulous policies."

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, who declared his candidacy for the Seoul mayoral by-election, is visiting Sajik 2 District in Jongno-gu, Seoul, designated as an urban redevelopment zone on the 17th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On December 20th last year, Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Hall to declare his candidacy for Seoul mayor and also fiercely criticized President Moon.

Ahn stated, "I will confidently run as the unified opposition candidate and serve as a driving force to stop the regime's reckless actions. The April by-election next year will not be a victory for Ahn Cheol-soo alone, but a victory for the entire opposition."

He added, "It is painful, but we cannot help but look back on the past three and a half years of the Moon administration. Witnessing the behavior of former Minister Cho Kuk’s family, we saw the hypocrisy and pretense of the regime’s core."

He continued, "We realized that the president’s promise that 'opportunities are equal, processes are fair, and results are just' was a lie. While talking about reform and claiming to support ordinary citizens, they plunged the common people into greater suffering and confirmed the corruption and hypocrisy of those living in luxury."

He also criticized, "Seeing the shameless face of the Minister of Justice dancing wildly with a sword, we had to shudder at the shamelessness of this regime."

Analysts say that opposition candidates running for Seoul mayor use criticism of President Moon to consolidate their support base and more clearly highlight their own pledges. A political insider said, "Regardless of party, criticizing the opposing candidate as well as the president and government during election season helps consolidate one’s support base." He explained, "By criticizing the opposing party in this way, they consolidate their support base, and in the process, by conveying their own pledges, a kind of confrontation framework is formed, which can lead to an advantage in various competitions."