Oh Se-hoon "Bearing a Heavy Sense of Responsibility... Will Do Our Best for Victims' Return to Work" (Comprehensive)

Oh "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work again in this critical time"

Kim "Laying the foundation for regime creation in next year's presidential election"

Ahn "The opposition must innovate and unite with responsible leaders"

On April 7 by-election, O Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate who secured victory as Seoul mayor, is seen receiving a bouquet and celebrating around midnight on the 8th at the vote counting room in the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] From around midnight on the 8th, as the election of Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, became certain, the People Power Party leadership returned to the vote counting situation room set up on the 3rd floor of the central party office with noticeably lighter expressions. Candidate Oh, his wife Song Hyun-ok, a professor in the Department of Theater and Film at Sejong University, and Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, were also present.

Candidate Oh said, "This is truly a moment to be joyful, but I cannot contain the heavy responsibility pressing on my chest," adding, "There are so many Seoul citizens suffering greatly and living in discomfort due to COVID-19 and economic difficulties, and when I think about how to comfort, embrace, and care for them, I cannot help but feel a tremendous sense of responsibility."

He continued, "Granting me this opportunity to work again during such a critical time, I will regard it as a direct order to skillfully and swiftly resolve the numerous pressing issues one by one and embrace the citizens of Seoul," and said, "I will diligently and earnestly perform my duties as a mayor who frequently visits those who must be embraced, those who need care, and those in urgent need, listens to their concerns, and prioritizes solving their issues." He also emphasized, "I will do my best to ensure that victims of sexual violence during the previous mayor’s administration can return to work."

Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in said, "I believe the election of candidates Oh Se-hoon and Park Hyung-joon is a victory of common sense for the citizens of Seoul and Busan," and added, "The People Power Party will make every effort to be a party that aligns with the sentiments of the people." Chairman Kim also expressed his aspiration, saying, "We will lay the foundation to create a government in the presidential election to be held next year."

Around midnight on the 8th, when the victory of People Power Party's Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon in the April 7 by-election was confirmed, Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman (left), and Ahn Cheol-soo, the leader of the People Party, shook hands at the People Power Party's vote counting situation room at the Yeouido headquarters in Seoul. 2021.4.8 [Photo by Yonhap News]

Chairman Kim and Floor Leader Joo Ho-young stood with Candidate Oh and Leader Ahn to place election victory stickers on the lower right of the candidates’ photos arranged on one wall. At this occasion, Leader Ahn said, "I think this is just the beginning," and added, "If the opposition takes charge of the administration, we must show humility and competence." He continued, "Only then will the people believe that a change of government is a better choice," and said, "I believe it is most important for responsible figures in the opposition, including myself, to innovate, unite, and work together for regime change." Leader Ahn also staged a moment of clasping hands with Chairman Kim on this day.

Right after his victory speech, Candidate Oh met with reporters and said, "I sincerely offer my condolences and thanks to candidate Park Young-sun, who competed fiercely with me," and added, "Although we met as competitors, I hope we can develop a relationship where we jointly consider the future of the Republic of Korea and the vision for Seoul."

The People’s Party is expected to announce procedures related to the merger with the People Power Party after holding an executive meeting at 9 a.m. that day. Discussions on the joint operation of Seoul city are also expected to intensify.