Oh Se-hoon Likely Cleared of Charges, Setting Off Three-Way Race for Conservative Leadership

The acquittal of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon in his second trial has set off a full-fledged three-way race among Oh, Han Dong-hoon, and Lee Jun-seok for leadership of the conservative camp. With the ruling, Oh, now free of legal risk, has secured a foothold to run in upcoming elections.

Before the verdict, Oh said on the 7th, "Conservative integration is essential so that these figures can all come together and create synergy." Speaking of Han Dong-hoon, he said Han is "an asset for the conservatives who could multiply the party's strength if we work together." The day after the second-trial ruling, on the 24th, Oh said at the National Assembly, "The People Power Party will bring comfort to the people when it presents a united, integrated front rather than a divided one."

People Power Party floor leader Chong Jeong-sik also said at a press briefing on the 26th, "Where necessary, we will always work in coordination with the Seoul city government and Mayor Oh."