Welcomes 'sever ties with Yoon' resolution, but sees no follow-through
On the 12th — the final extended deadline for People Power Party regional chief candidate applications — Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said he would not submit a nomination application but still intends to take part in the election.
After his afternoon lecture at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Oh told reporters, "I regret that I cannot register for nomination to participate in the election today."
Oh specifically criticized what he sees as the People Power Party's continued lack of commitment to actually implementing the "sever ties with Yoon" pledge. On the 9th, the party adopted a resolution in which all its members called for severing ties with former President Yoon Suk Yeol and offering an apology over the Dec. 3 declaration of emergency martial law.
He said, "In my view, the adoption of that resolution represents a welcome and appreciated change in direction," but added, "as of today, I see no sign that it is being implemented."
On the morning announcement by Jang Dong-hyuk that he would suspend all disciplinary proceedings submitted to the ethics committee, Oh said, "That alone is not enough to be considered a true change in course."
"I told Jang that launching an early, reform-oriented campaign committee could provide tangible proof of a change in direction," Oh continued, "but I still see no sign of action."
Addressing speculation that he might not run, Oh emphasized, "I will participate in the election," and explained, "I have asked party leaders for the basic conditions necessary to run, at least in the Seoul metropolitan area."
He also made clear that he would register if the party extends the nomination deadline again and demonstrates the minimum changes he is seeking.
Oh said he met for lunch with floor leader Song Eon-seok and told him, "If my concerns are addressed and the party shows change, I will register as a candidate and work hard."
Reporter Kang Hye-won hyewon0417@viva100.com
