Party Split Crisis... Oh Se-hoon "No Division... The Situation Will Worsen" (Summary)

Impeachment Passed, Party Leader Resigns Amid Internal Turmoil
"Collaborators, Expulsion Talk... Worsening Political Situation"
Emphasizing "Economic Stability" and "Party, Government, Local Governments United"
Political Caution... Focusing on Livelihoods and Seeking Opportunities

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "As the ruling party, we must join forces with the government to normalize state affairs and protect the lives of the people," adding, "Now is not the time to create divisions." This comment comes in response to the internal turmoil within the party following the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol. While some figures who opposed the impeachment have called for the resignation of the party leadership and emphasized accountability, Mayor Oh is more concerned about further division. He stressed that 'social and economic stability' must be prioritized.

On the morning of the 16th, Mayor Oh emphasized this in a Facebook post titled "Let's Unite," stating, "Whether one supported or opposed the impeachment motion, members of the National Assembly voted according to their own convictions and judgments as constitutional institutions. Criticizing them as collaborators or calling for their expulsion only worsens this chaotic situation."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is attending the 'Hope 2025 Sharing Campaign Love Fruit Delivery Ceremony' held at Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

In particular, Mayor Oh proposed focusing on solutions through unity rather than emphasizing accountability. He said, "The tasks before us are clear. At a time when our external credibility is shaken and people's livelihoods are in crisis, division within the ruling party could lead to a national crisis." He also stressed the importance of focusing on stabilizing livelihoods and economic recovery. Mayor Oh said, "The voices I heard from the economic front at last week's emergency economic meeting were desperate. To stabilize livelihoods and recover the economy, the party, government, and local governments must form one team and overcome the crisis like a 'three-legged race.' The only criterion for all decisions and choices must be the stability and prosperity of the Republic of Korea."

In line with this, Mayor Oh inspected the construction economy sector with construction industry officials at Seoul City Hall that morning. This was the fifth emergency economic meeting following meetings with economic organizations on the 10th, the tourism industry on the 11th, autonomous districts on the 12th, and foreign financial and investment companies on the 13th. This reflected Mayor Oh's determination to protect citizens' normal economic activities. On this day, Mayor Oh expressed concerns about domestic and international variables such as rapid exchange rate hikes, high interest rates, and rising raw material prices, promising swift public construction project orders and commencements, 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 activities. Mayor Oh also proposed elevating the currently operating 'Construction Innovation Policy Forum' to a permanent communication channel to strengthen communication with the construction industry.

After the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon on the 14th, Mayor Oh said, "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 urgent issue. He conveyed the industry's voice, "The government should minimize uncertainty and create a predictable business environment," adding that "a fair and swift decision by the Constitutional Court is necessary" to achieve this.

He also continued to express his convictions as a senior ruling party figure. Having supported the impeachment motion against President Yoon, Mayor Oh stated on the 14th, "The party should not be divided by this issue but should unite and stand up 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 should unite to overcome the crisis."

However, there is a clear difference in stance from other potential presidential candidates such as Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, who opposed the impeachment and demanded 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-related activities for the time being while seeking opportunities. The resignation of party leader Han Dong-hoon that morning marked the first turning point. Subsequently, floor leader Kwon Seong-dong will serve as acting leader. The party will then proceed with the transition to an emergency committee, which will hold a party convention to elect the next leadership.

Depending on the Constitutional Court's decision on President Yoon's impeachment trial, an early presidential election could be held in the first half of next year. Mayor Oh, along with Mayor Hong, is a key figure attracting attention as a potential presidential candidate within the ruling party. This is why political circles inside and outside are closely watching Mayor Oh's political moves. His choices are expected to become a key variable not only in the next presidential election but also in the Seoul mayoral race.