Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon to Announce Presidential Candidacy Decision Soon

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has indicated that he will soon announce his official position regarding a potential run for president. Speaking at a Newspaper Day event at the Korea Press Center today, Mayor Oh addressed questions about his timeline for a presidential bid.

“I am currently in the process of deeply considering whether to run, and I am listening to the opinions of many people,” Oh stated. “I will make a decision and inform you as soon as possible.” When pressed for a specific timeframe, he added, “It probably won’t take that long; it will be finalized soon.”

Kim Byung-min, Seoul’s Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs, who was also present, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that an announcement could come as early as this week. Mayor Oh explained his silence following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, “I have refrained from speaking due to my apologetic feelings towards the public.”

Mayor Oh’s potential candidacy comes as other potential contenders within the People Power Party are also accelerating their preparations. Representative Ahn Cheol-soo is scheduled to hold his first campaign launch event in Gwanghwamun tomorrow, and announcements from former leader Han Dong-hoon, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, and Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo are also expected.

The People Power Party, which formed its presidential primary election management committee today, plans to hold its first meeting on the 9th to finalize the primary schedule.