Jung Da-hyun is a reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues in Korea, including foreign residents, education, environment and politics. Driven by a deep interest in people’s stories, she focuses on investigative and feature reporting through direct interviews and field coverage. She received the Amnesty International Korea Media Award for her “Deepfake Crisis at Schools” series. Reach her at dahyun08@koreatimes.co.kr. Always open to hearing your stories.
Seoul mayor's political future in jeopardy amid corruption allegations
People walk by Seoul City Hall as prosecutors initiate a forced investigation into Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon over the alleged payment of campaign expenses connected to self-proclaimed power broker Myung Tae-kyun, Thursday. Yonhap
By Jung Da-hyun
Legal risks, backlash from failed real estate policy casts doubt over presidential aspirations
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is facing growing pressure as he confronts allegations of corruption due to his connections with a self-proclaimed power broker and increasing criticism of his failed real estate policy.
The outcome could significantly impact Oh's future as a leading contender from the ruling party for a potential snap presidential election.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office raided Oh’s office at Seoul City Hall and his residence on Thursday as part of an investigation into allegations of election-related misconduct.
He is suspected of paying for multiple surveys during the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election through a businessman, Kim Han-jung, who paid the survey costs on his behalf.
Prosecutors suspect Kim, known to be a supporter of Oh, asked the Future Korea Research Institute — a polling company effectively run by Myung — to conduct 13 unpublished yet favorable opinion surveys during Oh's mayoral campaign, which prosecutors suspect helped Oh.
Prosecutors allege Kim covered the 33 million won ($22,650) cost for the Seoul mayor.
Kim allegedly sent the money to the personal account of Kang Hye-kyung, who served as deputy head of the polling company, between February and March 2021.
The businessman says that Kang designed the surveys in such a way as to be favorable to Oh, while Myung has asserted that he played a crucial role in securing the mayor’s election victory.
Suspicions surrounding Oh’s ties to Myung have become a political liability, undermining his potential bid for the presidency as a leading candidate of the ruling conservative People Power Party.
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Myung is also implicated in allegations of interference in the April 10 general election, which is part of a broader scandal involving President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee.
While Oh has denied all accusations, Myung’s claims about his involvement continue to surface, dealing a blow to the mayor's political standing and public image, regardless of the validity of the allegations.
With a looming summons from prosecutors, Oh faces growing legal risks that could further complicate his political career in the short term.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon responds to reporters' questions after announcing housing market stabilization measures at the Government Complex Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Oh reportedly remained composed upon receiving notice of the search and seizure, viewing it as the final stage of the investigation into his alleged ties with Myung.
However, some observers note that the raid's timing further tarnished his image, arriving just a day after he faced backlash over his failed real estate policy.
Seoul's housing market has been experiencing renewed volatility, with prices fluctuating rapidly and concerns about speculation rising. In response, the city government has implemented targeted regulations to curb these worrying trends.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a temporary land transaction permit system on Wednesday for apartment sales in three districts of affluent southern Seoul and Yongsan District, which is just north of the Han River, in an effort to stabilize the housing market.
This came just 35 days after the same regulation was lifted in two of those districts, drawing sharp criticism for undermining policy credibility and fueling market uncertainty with inconsistent measures. Even within the ruling party, concerns arose about the lack of consistency in the real estate policy.
Oh acknowledged the misstep and issued a public apology, saying, "I humbly acknowledge the increased volatility in the real estate market, which has caused concerns. I apologize to our citizens."
Meanwhile, the mayor submitted both his past and current mobile phones to cooperate with the investigation during the prosecutors' search and seizure.
Prosecutors are expected to summon Oh once the analysis of the seized items is complete.