Oh Se-hoon Wins Re-election as Seoul Mayor in Comeback, Calls for Accountability Over Ballot Shortages

(CNA Special Correspondent Yang Qifang, Seoul, 4th) After more than 15 hours of vote counting in South Korea's local elections, the Seoul mayoral race was decided with a comeback victory for Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, securing his re-election. This also makes him the first mayor in Seoul's election history to be elected five times. However, he emphasized the need to追究 responsibility for the shortage of ballots.

According to Yonhap News Agency, exit polls released at 6 p.m. on the 3rd showed Democratic Party of Korea candidate Jung Won-woo with 51.4% of the vote, while Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party had 46.0%. However, after a night of counting, as of 9:40 a.m. on the 4th with 97.70% of votes counted, Oh Se-hoon secured 48.94% of the vote, leading Jung Won-woo's 48.34%, confirming Oh's re-election as Seoul mayor.

Oh Se-hoon took the lead in 10 administrative districts, including the 'Gangnam Three Districts' of Gangnam, Seocho, and Songpa, as well as areas along the Han River such as Yongsan, Dongjak, Gwangjin, Yeongdeungpo, and Gangdong. Among the 14 polling stations where ballot shortages were disputed, 12 were in Songpa, with one each in Gangnam and Gwangjin; Oh Se-hoon won all of them.

This marks Oh Se-hoon's fifth election as Seoul mayor. In his victory speech, he stated, 'I do not consider this election a personal victory; the credit belongs to the voters.' He also emphasized, 'The citizens have once again reaffirmed the fundamental principle of democracy, 'checks and balances.' You have made Seoul the last line of defense for democracy, preventing South Korea from leaning entirely in one direction.'

Oh Se-hoon also raised the issue of ballot shortages at multiple polling stations in Seoul, saying, 'As a candidate, I deeply regret that the most basic and sacred right of citizens to participate in politics was violated.' He pointed out, 'We cannot pretend that the major flaws that occurred during the election process did not happen just because we won. We must thoroughly investigate the problem, hold those responsible accountable, and propose fundamental improvement measures.'

Democratic Party of Korea candidate Jung Won-woo conceded defeat, stating, 'I will accept the choice of the citizens heavily and humbly. It is my inadequacy; everything is my responsibility. I failed to get closer to the citizens, to listen more deeply, and to gain more support and trust.' He also offered congratulations to his opponent, Oh Se-hoon. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150604