"Withdrawal" by Oh Sehoon Signals Major Shift... Kim Moonsoo and Hong Joonpyo Rush to Court Him (Comprehensive)

Han Donghoon, Ahn Cheolsoo, Na Kyungwon, and Lee Cheolwoo Send Public Messages to Court Support
Emphasizing Shared and Continued Commitment to Oh Sehoon's Philosophy
Expressing Respect for Oh's Decision Not to Run, Citing "Determination" and "Respect"

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon is entering the press conference room on the 12th at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, to announce his decision not to run for president. Candidates for the People Power Party leadership race eagerly reached out to Mayor Oh, who declared he would not run. Photo by Yonhap News

With Oh Sehoon, a leading conservative figure and Mayor of Seoul, making a sudden announcement on April 12 that he will not run in the presidential election, People Power Party leadership contenders rushed to publicly reach out to him. Their messages included the core agendas emphasized by Mayor Oh in his withdrawal statement, such as "growth again" and "walking with the underprivileged." Many also used expressions that highly praised Mayor Oh's decision not to run, such as "determination" and "respect."

The common keywords in their messages-"growth again" and "walking with the underprivileged"-represent the core philosophy of the "Oh Sehoon brand." Earlier that day, at around 11 a.m. at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Mayor Oh held a press conference to announce his decision not to run for president. He urged other People Power Party primary candidates to "make 'growth again' and 'walking with the underprivileged' the central agendas of the presidential election," and promised, "I will wholeheartedly support any candidate who shares my vision and dedicate myself to the task of regaining power."

Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor, stated in a press release, "I regret Mayor Oh's decision to withdraw from the presidential race after much deliberation." Kim added, "I fully agree with Mayor Oh's sense of duty, which is centered on 'growth' and 'walking with the underprivileged,' and I will do my utmost alongside him in the grand journey to regain power and prevent Lee Jaemyung (former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea) from taking office."

Hong Joonpyo, former Mayor of Daegu, wrote on Facebook, "Mayor Oh's decision not to run for president is a response to the concerns of Seoul citizens and an expression of loyalty to our party." He continued, "Together with Mayor Oh, I will strive to realize the dream of 'rebuilding the nation' and create a completely new country." He also said, "I will actively embrace the themes of 'growth again' and 'walking with the underprivileged' mentioned by Mayor Oh, and ensure they are reflected in future governance."

Han Donghoon, former party leader, said on Facebook, "I respect that you prioritized your responsibilities as Mayor of Seoul, considering both our party and its future," adding, "I take your decision very seriously." He went on to say, "The core agendas Mayor Oh requested-'growth again' and 'walking with the underprivileged'-align with the 'era of a growing middle class' that I spoke of in my candidacy announcement, as well as the 'narrowing of disparities' that I have consistently advocated since my time as party leader. I will work even harder to ensure these important values are realized, including on behalf of Mayor Oh."

Representative Ahn Cheolsoo wrote on Facebook, "I am deeply moved by Mayor Oh's decision," and added, "I hope he will continue to play a significant role in achieving victory in the presidential election and rebuilding the party." He continued, "This is a sacrifice and a profound message for the party to overcome its current difficulties and rise again," and emphasized, "The value of 'walking with the underprivileged' will be an essential core value for the party's renewal."

Representative Na Kyungwon stated, "I have shared many concerns and visions with Mayor Oh for the present of Seoul and the future of Korea," and added, "Although the Mayor is stepping back for now, our journey toward a better Korea and a normal country will not stop."

Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province, said, "I will incorporate Mayor Oh's 'growth again' and 'walking with the underprivileged' into my vision of building a top-tier Korea through national reform, and make sure these values are realized." Yoo Jeongbok, Mayor of Incheon, emphasized, "As a metropolitan mayor, I have always shared policies with Mayor Oh. 'Growth again' and 'walking with the underprivileged' align with my goals of inclusive growth and a society where working people are respected, which I advocate as a president who works."

With Mayor Oh, once considered a strong contender, deciding not to run, the landscape of the People Power Party's presidential primary is expected to change significantly. In recent opinion polls, Mayor Oh had received relatively meaningful support among People Power Party candidates. According to a Korea Gallup weekly poll released on April 4, just before the Constitutional Court's ruling on the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol, if an early presidential election were held, 52% of respondents expected a change in government (an opposition candidate winning), while 37% expected the ruling party to retain power (a ruling party candidate winning). In terms of political leader preference, Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party of Korea led with 34%, followed by Kim Moonsoo, Minister of Employment and Labor, at 9%, Han Donghoon, former People Power Party leader, at 5%, Hong Joonpyo, Mayor of Daegu, at 4%, and Oh Sehoon, Mayor of Seoul, at 2%.