PPP's Seoul Mayoral Nomination 'Ping-Pong Game'... Nomination Committee Chair Abruptly Resigns

A Series of Setbacks for the People Power Party in Election Preparations

Nomination Committee Chair Resigns Amid Delays in Candidate Registration

Oh Sehoon's Withholding of Seoul Mayoral Nomination Ripple Effect

Calls for Personnel Renewal and Formation of an Innovative Campaign Committee

The People Power Party is engaged in a back-and-forth over the application process for the Seoul mayoral nomination, even with just over 80 days remaining until the June 3 local elections. This is because incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon has withheld his application, demanding follow-up measures after the party leadership adopted a resolution related to “absolute Yoon” (Jeol-Yoon), which they led.

On March 13, Lee Junghyun, chairperson of the People Power Party’s Nomination Management Committee, announced his resignation, stating, “I have determined that it is no longer possible to pursue the direction I had envisioned in the nomination process.” Lee added, “I am stepping down from my position as chairperson of the nomination committee.” Lee had previously drawn controversy for attending official meetings in attire reminiscent of a military uniform and for suggesting a sweeping replacement of incumbent local government heads in the nomination process.

Lee’s abrupt resignation appears to have been influenced in part by the sluggish progress in the nomination process for Seoul—considered the most critical battleground of the local elections—due to the ping-pong game between Mayor Oh and the party leadership. Party Secretary-General Chung Heeyong told reporters, “It seems he made a comprehensive judgment based on various factors.” On the morning of the same day, the People Power Party leadership convened an emergency Supreme Council meeting to discuss strategies for the local elections.

As of today, the People Power Party’s nomination race for Seoul mayor remains shrouded in uncertainty. On the previous day, Mayor Oh once again withheld his nomination application, saying, “I have conveyed my suggestions for personnel changes that would signify a shift in direction and for the early launch of an innovative election campaign committee, but there has been no sign of any effort to implement these changes.”

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is stating his position regarding the People Power Party's nomination registration for the local elections on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News

The core of Mayor Oh’s demands is the formation of an innovative campaign committee. Mayor Oh’s camp believes that, unlike the current leadership, the party must put forward a figure who can symbolize “absolute Yoon” and demonstrate the leadership needed to direct the campaign against the major ruling party, the Democratic Party of Korea, in order to bring about a turning point in the capital region elections.

Within the party, former Emergency Response Committee Chairman Kim Chongin is among those mentioned as potential candidates, considering both symbolism and leadership. A key official from Mayor Oh’s camp said in a phone call, “Deciding on appointments and composition is the party’s responsibility,” but added, “We need someone who can attract centrist voters who have turned away from the party.”

The party leadership and pro-leadership faction are visibly displeased with Mayor Oh’s mention of an early launch of an innovative campaign committee, as it effectively implies that the current leadership should step back. A party leadership official from the pro-leadership faction remarked, “Isn’t Mayor Oh making demands that cannot be met simply to avoid running because he isn’t confident about the election results?” Lee Sangkyu, former head of the Seongbuk-gu-eul district party association and a contender in the Seoul mayoral race, has even argued, “Mayor Oh should be excluded from the nomination process.”

Within the party, there are concerns that prolonged conflict between Mayor Oh and Party Leader Jang could significantly damage both sides. If Mayor Oh decides not to run or further escalates the conflict during a difficult period for the party, he could face criticism for shirking responsibility. A senior Seoul city official stated, “This is not about not running; it is an expression of his determination to fundamentally change the party.”

Yoon Heesook, a former lawmaker also running for Seoul mayor, targeted Mayor Oh, saying, “Refusing to register as a candidate unless he gets the tools he wants is not the way. Now is not the time to engage in a conditional battle over candidate registration, but rather for the primary candidates to unite and push for personnel reform and party renewal.”

The same holds true for the party leadership. While some have proposed a “Plan B” or alternative candidate, it has proven difficult to identify a clear alternative since lawmakers such as Na Kyungwon and Ahn Cheolsoo are leaning toward not running. Party Leader Jang is continuing to deliberate without any official public schedule today.

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