Seo Youngkyo Withdraws From Seoul Mayoral Race: "I Will Be the Foundation for the Democratic Party's One-Team Victory"

"Marching Forward with Seoul Mayoral Candidates"
"Focusing on Unfinished Prosecution and Judicial Reforms"

Rep. Seo Youngkyo of the Democratic Party announced on February 23 that she is withdrawing from the race for Seoul mayor.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly press center the same day, Assemblywoman Seo stated, "I intend to step away from my journey as a candidate for Seoul mayor," adding, "I will serve as a stepping stone for the victory of the Democratic Party as 'one team'."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Donghae = Seo Youngkyo, a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly press center on the 15th to announce her bid for Seoul mayor. 2026.1.15

She went on to say, "Now we must rally our strength so that the Democratic Party can win back the Seoul mayoralty for the citizens of Seoul. In response to the passionate public sentiment, I wish to choose a greater sense of calling and responsibility."

Assemblywoman Seo said, "The biggest reason I decided to run for Seoul mayor was my determination to end the arrogant and incompetent administration of Mayor Oh Sehoon and return Seoul to its citizens," and added, "Right now, our Democratic Party has many candidates who are like jewels. Whoever becomes the candidate has sufficient capability and vision to change Seoul together with its citizens."

She continued, "Now is the time to pool our strength toward the shared goal of changing Seoul, rather than focusing on individual challenges," and said, "I will now step down from my position as a candidate and join the Seoul mayoral candidates in a vigorous march toward victory."

Assemblywoman Seo stressed, "I will root out Yoon Suk Yeol and other 'remnants of insurrection' and complete judicial justice," adding, "We must now firmly support the second special counsel investigation, and we must without fail complete the unfinished reforms of the prosecution and judiciary, including the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, the introduction of the crime of legal distortion, the system of constitutional complaint against court rulings, and the expansion of the number of Supreme Court justices."

She added, "Standing at the forefront of the legislature for the eradication of insurrection, judicial reform, and the restoration of democracy is the path I must take now."

With Assemblywoman Seo abandoning her bid for Seoul mayor, the number of incumbent lawmakers who have declared their candidacy stands at four: Kim Youngbae, Park Joomin, Park Honggeun, and Jeon Hyunhee. Outside the National Assembly, Jeong Wonoh, head of Seongdong District, has effectively made his candidacy a fait accompli.

The Democratic Party will conduct interviews and nomination screenings for candidates for heads of metropolitan governments at the party headquarters over a two-day period starting February 23.