Conservative Heir 'Oh Se-hoon' Chosen to Form Organization for Regime Judgment

Kim Jong-in, People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman, Calls "Oh Se-hoon's Victory Common Sense"
Ahn Cheol-soo States "Acknowledges Seoul Citizens' Choice, Accepts It As Is"

Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate selected as the unified opposition candidate for the Seoul mayoral by-election, is answering questions from reporters after a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 23rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee, Boryeong Geum, Junyi Park] The choice of Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, as the unified opposition candidate for the Seoul mayoral by-election by Seoul citizens appears to faithfully reflect public opinion that this election strongly carries the character of a 'regime judgment theory.' Although there was a time when support was concentrated on Ahn Cheol-soo, the People's Party candidate, public opinion shifted toward supporting the candidate from the largest opposition party with organizational strength for a more definite regime judgment.

Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, described the result as 'common sense' in a meeting with reporters on the 23rd. He consistently emphasized that Oh is the candidate of the 'larger party' while undermining Ahn's competitiveness. Kim's perception aligns with the judgment that citizens would choose the most effective card for regime judgment. Although there was a prospect that Ahn could encompass the moderate faction beyond the conservative base, he could not surpass the premium of the largest opposition party. Public opinion likely also favored Oh, the 'legitimate heir (嫡子)' of conservatism, over Ahn from the third zone for regime judgment.

Experts analyzed that the result also reflected the fading identity and influence of Ahn. Jang Sung-chul, director of the Sympathy and Debate Policy Center, said, "The People Power Party supporters gained confidence thinking they could win even with Oh as the candidate," adding, "Kim Jong-in and People Power Party lawmakers played a role in attacking Ahn, which seems to have had some effect." He continued, "Kim's remark calling Ahn 'a strange person' also had an impact," and said, "Ahn was caught in the frame set by Kim. It appears to be Kim's victory."

Political commentator Hwang Tae-soon said, "Ahn's identity wavered at the last moment," adding, "By saying he would even embrace the 'asphalt right-wing,' the moderate faction that traditionally supported Ahn likely became indifferent." The influence of former lawmaker Na Kyung-won's support base also played a role. Eom Kyung-young, director of the Era Spirit Research Institute, evaluated, "Oh Se-hoon's convention effect continued," and said, "The good response rate in this unification indicates that conservative voters actively responded."

Both candidates have pledged to serve as election strategy committee heads for the opposing camp even if they lose. Immediately after the poll results were announced, Ahn stated, "I recognize and accept the choice of Seoul citizens as it is. I will work hard to help the opposition's victory." Oh said, "We can arrange a meeting as soon as today," adding, "I will announce the joint management of Seoul City after meeting with Ahn again." Currently, both candidates are registered with the election commission as numbers 2 and 4 respectively. From the 29th, the ballot paper will mark 'withdrawn' in Ahn's voting section.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.