Seoul Mayoral Candidate Criticizes Rival for 'Unpreparedness' Amid Debate Avoidance

On June 2nd, one day before the June 3rd local elections, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, urged his rival Cho Jung-hoon of the Democratic Party to withdraw, calling him an "unprepared and unqualified candidate." Oh criticized Cho's avoidance of debate opportunities, stating it showed his failure to communicate Seoul's vision and goals, and that he had missed a chance for self-verification. Oh emphasized the need for sufficient experience and preparation by stating, "Seoul is not a practice course for novice drivers."

Oh appealed to voters to leave Seoul as the last safeguard to prevent South Korea from tilting in one direction. He stressed that a decisive moment for leaping into a top-tier global city requires a seasoned veteran who can start working immediately after the election.

Oh's campaign continued with a schedule that included greeting commuters at Yeouido Station in the morning and subsequently visiting Mapo, Jung-gu, Eunpyeong, Gangseo, Yangcheon, Guro, Geumcheon, Gwanak, and Dongjak districts. Following his tour of 12 districts the previous day, he visited an additional 13 districts on this day, covering all 25 districts of Seoul over two days.

Oh wore a T-shirt with the slogan 'GLOBAL TOP3,' expressing his commitment to raising the quality of life for Seoul citizens to the world's third-highest level. He stated that he was confident he could make Seoul a global top-three city if given four more years in office.

The election battle was analyzed as being in a state of fierce competition. Oh declared he would run with the spirit of a challenger, giving his all until the final moment. The response from younger voters during the campaign was reportedly impressive. Oh stated he would engage in campaigning until the end with the mindset of delivering the messages he received from citizens.