First Verdict Due Today in Trial of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon over Poll Payment Scandal

The first hearing for the verdict on Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who is accused of receiving an opinion poll from political broker Myeong Tae-kyun during the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election and arranging for a third party to cover the cost of 33 million won (violation of the Political Funds Act), will be held at 2 p.m. on the 28th at the Seoul Central District Court.

During the final hearing last month, the independent counsel sought 1 year and 6 months in prison and a fine of 33 million won for Mayor Oh, while requesting one year in prison each for former Seoul Vice Mayor for Political Affairs Kang Chul-won and Kim Han-jeong.

Under the Political Funds Act, a fine exceeding 1 million won results in the nullification of an election; therefore, whether Mayor Oh retains his position will be determined by today's ruling. The outcome of the trial will also have a direct impact on the future landscape of Seoul’s municipal politics and the formation of the next leadership. Furthermore, the political trajectory of Mayor Oh, who is mentioned as a potential presidential candidate for the conservative camp, is expected to be significantly influenced by this decision.