Oh Se-hoon: "Reviving Jigu-dang is reviving the cartel that maintains nomination privileges"

Seoul Metropolitan Council 327th Regular Session Policy Questions
"Don't Disguise the Revival of District Parties as Political Reform"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon emphasized that the revival of district party organizations being discussed by both ruling and opposition parties is "no different from the resurrection of a very dangerous nomination cartel and an interest cartel among local influential figures."

On the 19th, during the 327th regular session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's administrative questioning, Mayor Oh responded to a related inquiry by Yoon Young-hee, a member of the People Power Party in the Seoul City Council, stating, "The revival of district party organizations is not for the national interest and people's welfare (國利民福), but rather a convergence of interests between the leaders of the two major parties."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is responding to questions at the 3rd plenary session of the 326th extraordinary meeting held on the morning of August 29 at the Seoul Metropolitan Council plenary chamber. Photo by Yonhap News

When Councilor Yoon asked why both ruling and opposition parties are jointly calling for the revival of district party organizations, Mayor Oh replied, "Anyone who becomes a leader wants to take control of the party," adding, "Do not disguise the revival of district party organizations as political reform seeking change for the people."

He continued, "In the past, political reform aimed at parliamentary party organization involved amending the Political Parties Act and Political Funds Act to streamline parties, but now the two major parties say that strengthening the central party organization by reverting to the original state is political reform," criticizing the move.

Mayor Oh also mentioned the former local party committee chairpersons, who were the background for the discussion on reviving district party organizations. He said, "The discussion began because local party committee chairpersons operating outside the National Assembly experienced inconveniences in practical politics," adding, "Even if inconveniences arise, changes should be minimal to prevent a U-turn while moving toward a distant future and ideals."

He further argued, "While I can concede to the revival of district party organizations to the extent of providing space, the idea of generating and using money through local support groups is no different from the resurrection of a very dangerous nomination cartel and an interest cartel among local influential figures."

In response, Councilor Yoon stated, "The revival of district party organizations will further reduce the already very limited space for young politicians," and agreed with the criticism that it is a regression from reform.