Oh Se-hoon: "Concerns Over Party Division, Economy Comes First"... Continuous Livelihood Efforts

Mayor Oh Emphasizes Unity Amid Leadership Accountability Debate
Discusses Support Measures with Construction Industry Following Tourism and Investors
Cautious Oh Se-hoon May Warm Up Quickly

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has called for party unity following the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol. While some figures who opposed the impeachment have demanded the resignation of the party leadership, emphasizing accountability, Oh is more concerned about preventing further division. He stressed that 'social and economic stability' must be prioritized first.

On the morning of the 16th, Mayor Oh inspected the construction economy sector together with construction industry stakeholders at Seoul City Hall. This was the fifth emergency economic meeting following sessions with economic organizations on the 10th, the tourism industry on the 11th, autonomous districts on the 12th, and foreign financial and investment firms on the 13th.

President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion was defeated due to a lack of quorum caused by the collective abstention of People Power Party lawmakers. On the 10th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the first Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

This reflects Mayor Oh's determination to protect citizens' normal economic activities. On the day, he expressed concerns about domestic and international variables such as sharp exchange rate hikes, high interest rates, and rising raw material prices. He promised swift ordering and commencement of public construction projects, establishment of income safety nets for construction workers, and easing of public contribution ratios. The intention is to support construction companies' contract acquisitions and lower barriers for future projects to ensure smooth profit-making activities. Mayor Oh also proposed upgrading the currently operating 'Construction Innovation Policy Forum' to a permanent communication channel to strengthen dialogue with the construction industry.

Even after the impeachment motion against President Yoon was passed on the 14th, Mayor Oh stated, "Over the past few days, I have listened to those at the forefront of the domestic and international economy, and their requests were urgent," emphasizing that economic normalization is the most pressing issue. He conveyed the industry's call for the government to "minimize uncertainty and create a predictable management environment," adding that "a fair and swift decision by the Constitutional Court is necessary" to achieve this.

He also continues to express his convictions as a senior ruling party figure. Having supported the impeachment motion against President Yoon, Mayor Oh said on the 14th, "The party must not be divided by this issue but must come together and rise again." While some interpreted Mayor Oh's message as support for maintaining the current party leadership system, a senior Seoul city official clarified, "He did not express detailed positions on the leadership system or transition to an emergency committee but meant that the party should not be divided and must unite to overcome the crisis."

However, there is a clear difference in stance compared to other potential presidential candidates like Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo and other local leaders who opposed the impeachment and are demanding the resignation of the party leadership, emphasizing accountability. Mayor Hong even criticized the pro-Yoon faction as 'lemmings' and called for the expulsion of local assembly members who voted in favor of impeachment, expressing deep disappointment over the rebellion.

Mayor Oh plans to maintain a cautious attitude. Political circles expect that he will focus on livelihood issues for the time being while seeking opportunities. The first turning point is likely to be his position on the fate of Party Leader Han Dong-hoon, which he is expected to express on the morning of the same day. Although all elected committee members have resigned, leaving the party leadership collapsed, Han is reportedly considering retaining his position as party leader. If Han steps down, Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong will act as interim leader. Subsequently, the party will transition to an emergency committee, which will hold a party convention to elect the next leadership. If President Yoon is removed from office, the party will enter early presidential election mode. This could be a moment when potential presidential candidates like Mayor Oh and Mayor Hong begin their preparations rapidly.