Oh Se-hoon, Seoul Mayor making history with first-ever fifth term: "2030 support reflects my efforts" [Rivals]

*This content was translated by AI.

Oh Se-hoon, Seoul Mayor, shares behind-the-scenes stories following the dramatic turnaround in the the 3rd local elections.

In the TV Chosun program "Rivals," airing at 9:10 p.m. on the 20th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Chosun Ilbo editorial board member Jung Woo-sang, former Kyunghyang Shinmun reporter Kim Jun-il, and former CBS editorial director Kim Kyu-wan will discuss the post-election aftermath of the dramatic turnaround, the direction of conservative realignment, the unending controversy surrounding the National Election Commission, and the intensifying "Myeongcheong Daejeon."

Oh Se-hoon, who has reached the historic milestone of a fifth term, said regarding the support from young voters in their 20s and 30s, "They checked whether I am someone who only talks or someone who actually works. The decisive reason they were swayed was their trust in my promise to create a bright future." Mayor Oh, who has warned of a speed race in redevelopment and reconstruction projects, added, "I contacted the Presidential Office to be summoned before the State Council meeting to discuss the housing market. I wanted to meet them to persuade them that if things continue as they are, rental prices will skyrocket in the next one to two years."

At the People Power Party's general assembly, accusations were hurled at Jang (CEO) to resign face-to-face. Mayor Oh stated, "Jang Dong-hyeok (CEO) does not need to rush to resign. This is also related to the reinstatement of Han Dong-hun (Rep.) within the party. When I called Han (Rep.), I said, 'It would be better not to rush,' and Han (Rep.) replied, 'I think so too. No one benefits from a quick entry.'" Director Kim added, "Jang (CEO) has no resentment toward the pro-Kim faction's calls for resignation. The thinking is that attacking unpopularity with unpopularity has no downside. It actually strengthens Jang (CEO)'s position." He further conveyed the atmosphere, stating, "Jang (CEO) plans to serve as party leader until next summer." Editorial board member Jung said, "Conservative reconstruction depends on how to renew conservative content and how to replace people. The most important issue is the conservative attitude. Whether Mayor Oh plays a crucial role at the center of changing people, content, and attitude is the key question."

It is expected that the resignation of ruling party supreme council members will be a watershed moment determining Jang (CEO)'s future. Critic Kim said, "Supreme council members Kim Jae-won and Shin Dong-wook are playing a game of chicken to become the fourth." Director Kim added, "There is a popular saying that 'everyone is fighting against Jang Dong-hyuk's stage fright,' but I cannot agree. Jang Dong-hyeok (CEO)'s words are not effective and actually help the party's rational operation. When Yoon Sang-hyeon (Rep.) suggested, 'Let's aim for a soft landing for Jang Dong-hyuk instead of his resignation in place of Jeong Jeong-sik Won Nae (CEO),' the response was, 'Let's wait until autumn,' which reflects Jeong Jeong-sik Won Nae (CEO)'s thinking." Regarding the post-Jang Dong-hyuk system, Director Kim said, "The mood among the party mainstream is that expectations for Mayor Oh are greater than for Han Dong-hun (Rep.). From Mayor Oh's perspective, this is the greatest opportunity."

Regarding the result of being the top candidate for the next conservative presidential election, Mayor Oh said, "In two or three months, I will be left behind. It distorts all political activities and hinders Seoul municipal administration. I am not pleased with it." However, he added, "I also have a fandom. People with similar inclinations like me. Based on common sense, there is a subtly broad fandom among so-called moderate swing voters." Regarding Han Dong-hun (Rep.)'s reinstatement, Director Kim said, "He is the one who destroyed it and the one who wants to rebuild it. For Han (Rep.) to be reinstated, he must resolve conflicts with Jeong Jeong-sik Won Nae (CEO). As a former Prosecutor Service official who was pushed aside during his time as secretary general, there is very strong resentment."

Regarding the People Power Party's election appeal, Director Kim said, "Jang Dong-hyeok (CEO) is not even aiming for a re-election. A full re-election or claims of election fraud are political slogans." Critic Kim bluntly stated, "The election appeal is essentially a problem that election non-compliance Jang Dong-hyeok (CEO) must take responsibility for." Editorial board member Jung said, "Political figures must use different terminology. We must create systems to address people's anger and injustice."

Meanwhile, President Lee's approval rating has fallen for four consecutive weeks, finally dropping below 50%. Critic Kim analyzed, "Jeong Cheong-rae (CEO) says nothing about the National Election Commission incident or the Olympic Park protests. It is remarkable that he has held on this long. This is only possible under the Jang Dong-hyuk system." Commissioner Kim diagnosed, "The ruling party's internal conflict is decisive. The split and scattering of Democratic Party supporters due to the confrontation between Jeong Cheong-rae (CEO) and President Lee is the decisive cause." Editorial board member Jung said, "President Lee can halt the decline in approval ratings through a shift on the cancellation of prosecution and real estate issues." Mayor Oh stated, "The background for the sharp drop in approval ratings was the first-anniversary press conference. A declaration that fails to understand the painful reality of ordinary citizens means that if we continue with the existing policy direction, the most suffering will be endured. It is an expression of anger from the middle class and vulnerable social groups."

Jeong Cheong-rae (CEO), who was absent during President Lee's state visit abroad, attended the return ceremony. Director Kim conveyed the reporting content, stating, "Jeong Cheong-rae (CEO) must have felt immense humiliation. Jeong (CEO) still holds the perception that President Lee is in the major leagues while he is in the minor leagues. However, President Lee's stern expression is due to jet lag, lack of sleep, and fatigue." Editorial board member Jung bluntly stated, "A folder photo was taken for party harmony? Kim Min-seok (Prime Minister) and Jeong Cheong-rae (CEO) should not have been invited at all." Mayor Oh said, "We should focus on the word 'until now' in 'Thank you for your hard work until now.'"

For more details, tune in to TV CHOSUN's talk show <Rivals> tonight (20th) at 9:10 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.