Seoul: Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced his intention to register as a candidate with the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) for the upcoming June local elections. This decision comes after twice delaying his registration due to concerns over the party's reluctance to distance itself from the ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Oh's move is significant as he is considered a strong contender for the Seoul mayoralty on June 3, despite the PPP's declining public support following Yoon's failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. During a press conference at City Hall, Oh expressed his commitment to the citizens of Seoul and his party. "I am registering as a PPP candidate for Seoul mayor with a sense of responsibility toward Seoul's citizens and a spirit of putting the party first," he stated.

Oh emphasized the trust and support he has received from the conservative bloc and the people, underscoring that he could not take their expectations lightly. He had previously urged PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok to form an "innovative" election committee to signal a clear break from Yoon's influence. However, Jang reportedly resisted the idea, viewing it as a challenge to his leadership.

Expressing disappointment, Oh accused Jang Dong-hyeok and the party leadership of failing to demonstrate a commitment to change, criticizing them for aligning with ultraright conservative YouTubers and endangering numerous election candidates. "If the Jang Dong-hyeok leadership abandons the will to reform and does not change itself, I will start the change in Seoul," Oh declared, asserting the necessity of change and innovation to secure victory in the elections.

Oh's registration is driven by a determination to establish the innovative election committee he believes is essential for the party's success. He remains steadfast in his mission to initiate reform within the party and lead it toward a successful outcome in the upcoming elections.