Yoo Seung-min Visits Oh Se-hoon's Camp, Appeals for Conservative Support

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min expressed his support for Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for the June 3 Seoul mayoral by-election. Visiting Oh's campaign headquarters on the 14th, Yoo emphasized the importance of Oh's election for the reunification and future of the conservative camp, adding that he hoped Seoul citizens would re-elect Oh, whose experience and capabilities have been proven. He expressed his expectation that Oh's victory would serve as an opportunity for conservatives to regain their footing.

Yoo Seung-min mentioned the difficulties faced by the People Power Party, stating, 'Both I and the candidate are reflecting and repenting for the party's wrongdoings.' He directed criticism at the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party, saying, 'Their true colors are starting to show,' and added, 'If Mayor Oh enters the State Council, he will play a role in keeping them in check.' Yoo also brought up issues like the controversial universal basic dividend payment, suggesting that Oh use tax revenue for youth employment.

Later, speaking with reporters, Yoo said, 'This election started with our party's low approval ratings as a handicap,' but added, 'Oh Se-hoon's personal capabilities can overcome this sufficiently.' He expressed his wish for all assets, not just himself, that can help Oh to be mobilized. However, when asked about taking on positions such as campaign committee chairman, he replied, 'I will help in any way I can, even if it's without a formal title.' Regarding questions about leadership risks from Jang Dong-hyuk, Yoo drew a line, stating, 'Today, I came to help candidate Oh,' and 'I have much to say about the party, but I will say it after the election.'

The visit to the campaign headquarters was seen as bolstering Oh's strategy to broaden his appeal to moderates, and Yoo's remarks on the party's difficult internal situation indicated his intention to defer those comments until after the election. Yoo's visit to the campaign headquarters was assessed as an attempt to solidify Oh's support base within the conservative camp and to rally the People Power Party as a whole. His declaration of support and his expressed willingness to actively assist are expected to invigorate the stagnant party atmosphere and boost expectations for an election victory. This could increase Oh's chances of winning the Seoul mayoral race and, furthermore, lay the groundwork for the reconstruction of conservative politics.