Oh Se-hoon: "Jang Dong-hyuk Is a Burden to the Candidates... No Explanation for U.S. Trip"

Criticizes Party Leadership on KBS Radio
"Wants the Party to Pursue Unity"
Points Out Jung Wonoh's Silence on Capital Gains Deduction

Oh Se-hoon, who has been confirmed as the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, strongly criticized party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, calling him a "burden to the candidates."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, confirmed as the People Power Party candidate for the June 3 local elections for Seoul mayor, is holding a press conference on the 18th at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On April 21, during an appearance on KBS Radio's "Jeongyeok Sisa," Mayor Oh stated, "Candidates are under intense pressure every day, and while Jang claims he went [abroad] for the local elections, he has not explained whom he met or what conversations he had that would help the local elections." He added, "The party leadership has now entered a phase where there is little left for them to do, even if they stay here."

Oh also criticized Jang's order to launch a fact-finding investigation into Assemblyman Jin Jong-oh, who supports former party leader Han Dong-hoon. Oh said, "Supporting someone from outside the party could be seen as an act of disloyalty, but with the election approaching, candidates want the party to pursue a more unified path. Excluding only the Democratic Party, we should take a stance that encompasses and embraces all conservatives and moderates, as that would be more helpful for the election." He emphasized, "In that sense, Jang is currently becoming a burden to the candidates."

Regarding his rival, Democratic Party Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh, Oh remarked, "He is said to be the president's pick, but judging by recent signs, if the president says something—even if it is detrimental to Seoul citizens—Jung probably would not be able to oppose it."

As a representative example, he pointed to the special long-term holding deduction for capital gains tax (so-called 'Jangteukgong'). President Lee Jae-myung suggested on April 18 the possibility of abolishing this deduction. In response, Oh explained, "Jangteukgong reduces taxes based on length of residence or ownership, but now they want to abolish it. At this point, any candidate for Seoul mayor should clarify their position."

Oh further noted, "The median home price in Seoul is now 1.2 billion won. According to current tax regulations, more than half of Seoul citizens would lose their assets if they move. Of course, candidate Jung should make his position clear, but despite calls for a statement, he remains silent," he criticized.

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