[Anchor]
The Democratic Party of Korea has welcomed Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's first-instance ruling, calling it a "matter of course." Meanwhile, the People Power Party has lashed out, claiming the court applied a strict standard exclusively to the opposition party.
Reporter Son Hyeong-an has the details.
[Reporter]
Following the news that Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, affiliated with the People Power Party, was sentenced to a fine of 10 million won—a penalty that would invalidate his election—in his first-instance trial on charges of violating the Political Funds Act, the Democratic Party commented that the ruling is a "matter of course" regarding a clear crime.
The Democratic Party stated that it has been proven Mayor Oh utilized opinion polls commissioned through a political broker for his election and had a supporter pay the costs on his behalf. The party urged Mayor Oh, who undermined the electoral system that forms the foundation of democracy, to take full legal and political responsibility.
The Democratic Party faction in the Seoul Metropolitan Council demanded Mayor Oh's voluntary resignation, stating that "administrative chaos in the capital is inevitable due to the judicial risk of Mayor Oh, who has been in office for less than a month." The Rebuilding Korea Party also sharpened its tone, asserting that "resignation is the final duty he can fulfill for the public and the citizens of Seoul."
In contrast, the People Power Party pushed back, calling it a "political ruling" that shattered judicial justice.
The People Power Party commented that "public perception is spreading that the ruling party is found innocent while the opposition is found guilty," adding that "the ruling has shaken the foundation of democracy by inviting political controversy."
Floor Leader Jung Jeom-shik stated through an official statement that while he respects the court's decision, "it is questionable whether a guilty verdict could be reached based solely on a judge's preconception relying on the inconsistent testimonies of Myung Tae-kyun," adding, "We expect close verification and judgment in the appellate trial."
Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon posted on social media that "the credibility of the testimonies from related parties is low, and there are many logical leaps, making it a difficult ruling to accept."
(Video reporting: Lee Seung-hwan, Shin Dong-hwan | Video editing: Jang Hyun-ki | Design: Kang Yoon-jung)
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