Seosomun Overpass Collapses During Demolition, Killing 3; Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Expresses Responsibility

A section of the Seosomun Overpass in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, collapsed during demolition work due to its deteriorated condition, resulting in three fatalities. The accident occurred around 2:33 PM on May 26, 2026, while demolition was underway on the overpass, which had been graded D in a structural safety assessment.

Following the accident, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed his profound sense of responsibility as the incumbent mayor and announced the indefinite suspension of all election campaigning. Candidate Oh Se-hoon visited the accident site and stated, "As the current mayor, I feel a truly deep sense of responsibility." He added, "From this moment on, I will temporarily suspend all election campaigning," and offered his condolences to the bereaved families. Oh announced he had requested city officials to provide all necessary support to the families of the deceased and the injured. He urged construction officials and related agencies to ensure the prevention of further accidents, saying, "A truly regrettable accident has occurred," and that he had no words for the families of the three deceased.

In response to the collapse, several political figures immediately reacted. Democratic Party candidate Jung Won-oh, Reform Party candidate Kim Jeong-cheol, and Justice Party candidate Kwon Young-gook canceled their schedules and headed to the accident site. Democratic Party Chairman Jung Cheong-rae expressed regret to the public and stated that related countermeasures would be reviewed.