Oh se-hoon “The rerun of Seoul mayoral election is impossible…Jang Dong-hyuk’s path is a failure.”

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed a negative view toward calls for a rerun of the June 3 local elections, which have been advocated by Jang Dong-hyeok and others. He stated:

“I understand the political calculations and interests involved, but unless procedural flaws constitute a serious violation that could have changed the election outcome, the law does not allow for a rerun election.”

In an interview published on June 9 by The Chosun Ilbo, Oh made these remarks. Regarding the ballot shortage incident that prompted demands for a rerun, he said:

“This is something that should never have happened. In my recent public address, I stated that every strong measure that the public can accept should be used to uncover the truth.”

However, he added:

“As the administrative head of Seoul, I cannot go beyond what was stated in that public address.”

Concerning demands for a rerun election, Oh remarked:

“I believe there are some politicians who would like to see another Seoul mayoral election held.”

He continued:

“I fully understand the political calculations behind such a position. However, the Public Official Election Act clearly and strictly states that a full rerun election cannot be held unless flaws in election administration amount to serious violations capable of affecting the election result.”

Jang has been calling for a nationwide rerun election, including in Seoul.

Regarding the outcome of the June 3 local elections, Oh argued:

“The result means that the political line pursued by Jang Dong-hyeok has failed.”

He added:

“The People Power Party now stands at a crossroads. It must decide whether to move toward the rough waters of the political center or decline into a ‘YouTube party’ that merely scratches the itch of its most hardline supporters.”

He further stated:

“People Power Party lawmakers must now decide whether they intend to contest the next general election under the current political line.”

When asked about views that Jang should resign, Oh said:

“Whether he stays and fights to the end as party leader or steps down, it has become difficult for him to receive applause for either choice.”

He continued:

“At the same time, Jang cannot now reverse the political course he has chosen, which appeals to hardline supporters.”

Oh concluded:

“I do not believe Jang Dong-hyeok is likely to become a major variable in future conservative politics.”

Overall, Oh rejected the legal basis for a rerun election while criticizing Jang Dong-hyeok’s political strategy and arguing that the election result reflects a rejection of his current political line.