Oh Se-hoon expresses regret to the party and decides not to run... "Struggled with sleepless nights" (Summary)

Declaration of Non-Candidacy One Day Before Official Presidential Bid Announcement
"No One Is Free from Responsibility for the Failure of the Yoon Administration"
"Spent Sleepless Nights Wondering If Now Is the Time to Leave the Mayoral Office"
"If Our Visions Align, I Will Fully Commit to Regaining the Administration"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon declared on the 12th that he will not run in the presidential election. He stated that reflection and reform are necessary for the conservative camp, including the People Power Party, and it appears that recent party primary rules and the possibility of preferential treatment for Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also influenced his decision. This decision was made a day before his official declaration of candidacy, and Mayor Oh expressed regret over the party's failure to reflect on its mistakes.

On the morning of the same day, Mayor Oh held an emergency press conference at the People Power Party headquarters and stated, "To normalize the abnormal, I will serve as a catalyst by serving quietly," expressing his position.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is declaring his withdrawal from the presidential race on the 12th at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Mayor Oh also shared that he continued to deliberate after the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-youl on the 4th and ultimately chose not to run. He said, "With a heavy stone on my chest, I spent several sleepless nights pondering repeatedly," adding, "I kept asking myself whether now is the time to step down from the mayoral position midway and run." He explained, "I delayed my candidacy compared to other candidates because I thought about how the public would perceive everyone rushing to become presidential candidates."

He also expressed disappointment with the party. Mayor Oh said, "No one in our party is free from responsibility for the failure of the Yoon Seok-youl administration," and added, "The responsibility for not properly heeding the people's mandate, for failing to resolve conflicts between the party and the government causing public anxiety, and for misreading public sentiment are debts that all of us must share, not just one person." Prior to this declaration, he mentioned, "I feel indescribable despair and infinite responsibility over the impeachment of the president our party produced," and said, "I deeply reflect and bow my head in apology for the suspension of state affairs and the great disappointment caused to the people," which aligns with this sentiment.

However, Mayor Oh's side clarified that his statement did not contain a message that the People Power Party should not field a candidate. A party official explained, "(Mayor Oh) recently felt that the candidates are far below the public's expectations, and he believes that the mayor's decision will serve as a new driving force that can change everything, including the party's transformation," they added.

Mayor Oh also urged other People Power Party primary candidates to "make 'renewed growth' and 'solidarity with the vulnerable' the core agenda of the presidential election," saying, "Without painful changes that strip away the old skin, rebuilding conservatism will inevitably be a distant task." He continued, "Beyond just opposing Lee Jae-myung, the party must transform into one devoted to the vulnerable to open the door of opportunity in the presidential election," and added, "I will wholeheartedly support any candidate who shares my vision and dedicate myself to the reestablishment of the administration."

Regarding the 'Han Duck-soo draft proposal' emerging inside and outside the party, he responded, "We must wait for his own intention and decision and the people's choice." This is interpreted as meaning the party should not lead by endorsing Acting President Han's candidacy. The day before, Mayor Oh also expressed a negative stance on the 'primary privilege' of Han participating directly in the main primary.

Although Mayor Oh will not participate in this presidential election, he is expected to continue efforts for political reform in the future. He also plans to fulfill his responsibilities as Seoul mayor. Mayor Oh said, "As always, I will do my best to protect the capital Seoul like a rock, achieve prosperity, take care of citizens' daily lives, and embrace the lives of the vulnerable who are in difficult situations."