Meeting with Losing and Winning Candidates on 22-23 Following Seoul Dong/North-East Losers
Oh Se-hoon, Lacking Ruling Party Support Base, Strengthens Alliances and Considers New Strategies
Capital Region Defeat Equals General Election Loss... Possible Alliance with Next Party Leader Candidates
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is expanding his meetings with ruling party figures following the April 10 general election. Analysts suggest that he is building a support base by meeting not only with elected representatives from Seoul but also with those who lost, positioning himself as a leading potential candidate within the ruling party.
According to the Seoul city government and political circles on the 22nd, Mayor Oh had dinner on the evening of the 19th at the mayoral residence in Hannam-dong with 14 losing candidates from the People's Power party in the eastern and northeastern districts of Seoul. On the 22nd, he plans to meet with losing candidates from the western and southern districts of Seoul, and on the 23rd, he will have dinner with elected representatives from Seoul.
It is reported that during the gathering on the 19th, Mayor Oh expressed his intention to actively utilize the pledges of the losing candidates for the development of Seoul. He also voiced regret that his signature policies such as 'Safe Income,' 'Seoul Run,' and 'Wrist Doctor 9988' were not utilized during this general election.
While the Seoul city government mentioned that the meetings were intended to console the losing candidates and discuss policies with the elected representatives, political circles interpret this as a move by Mayor Oh, who has a relatively weaker support base compared to other potential candidates, to increase contact with both losing and winning candidates in Seoul to build alliances. Above all, since the defeat in the metropolitan area largely influenced the overall election results, it is also seen as an effort by the head of Seoul's administration to assert his presence.
Earlier, immediately after the general election, Mayor Oh said, "The people's reprimand was severe," adding, "With the mindset of planting saplings one by one in a devastated wilderness, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to regaining the lost trust and love." Even though he was practically uninvolved in the election campaign, he took responsibility by stating, "I deeply feel responsible for failing to garner the people's trust and love."
However, unlike other potential candidates within the ruling party, he appears to be focusing more on policy initiatives. This contrasts with Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu and another leading candidate who has been continuously issuing political messages since the election. A close aide to Mayor Oh explained, "Although the election is over, the government and ruling party have yet to begin reorganization, so he intends to focus more on his role as mayor of Seoul."
Some speculate that Mayor Oh will form alliances with future party leadership contenders to build a new power bloc. With former emergency committee chairman Han Dong-hoon having resigned and the presidential office's grip on the ruling party weakening, this presents an opportunity for Mayor Oh to broaden his maneuvering space. In a recent interview with a media outlet, Mayor Oh criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, "He has reduced his support base and lacked policy communication," and regarding a 'presidential bid,' he said, "It's fifty-fifty. Elected officials must always respond to the people's call, but right now, I am deeply immersed in my work. I want to be recognized for making Seoul a livable city because of Oh Se-hoon. Honestly, without the walking paths along the Han River Renaissance or the trails around the mountain ridges, what would we have done during COVID-19? If you do your job well, the next schedule will naturally follow."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
