Oh Se-hoon on His Trial: "The Time Is Approaching for Excessive Investigation to Be Held Accountable"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon emphasized regarding the "allegation of Myung Tae-gyun paying for opinion polls on his behalf" that "the time is approaching for the special counsel, which has conducted an excessive investigation, to be held accountable."

Mayor Oh made the remarks in response to a related question during the press conference marking the 100th day of the 9th popular term in office, held this morning (October 7) at Seoul City Hall.

Mayor Oh explained, "Regardless of the circumstances, I feel apologetic for facing such a trial," adding, "Many new pieces of evidence that were not found in the first trial have been submitted to the appellate court."

He continued, "I am waiting for the results with a humble mind," and asserted his innocence, saying, "The truth is bound to be revealed. The time for the truth is approaching."

He also continued his criticism of government policies.

Mentioning the so-called "triple strong trend" where Seoul's housing sales, jeonse (lump-sum lease), and monthly rent prices are rising simultaneously, as well as the abolition of the prosecutors' office, Mayor Oh said, "I analyze that the sense of helplessness and disappointment felt when many sound proposals were not accepted at all has led to the loss of trust in state affairs."

He went on to say, "As the Seoul mayor whose main duty is to care for the daily lives of citizens, I have raised my voice, but this is a reality where I too cannot help but feel considerable helplessness," while stating, "I will continue to speak out against undesirable changes in the future."

Regarding President Lee Jae-myung's recent remarks via X (formerly Twitter) that "approvals, which are a leading indicator of housing supply in the Seoul metropolitan area, are surging due to the government-level speed battle," Mayor Oh rebutted, "I evaluate that the past five years have been a period during which (the Seoul city government) did its utmost, but if we look back at how the government helped in these efforts, we have no choice but to evaluate it coldly."

He pointed out, "As the housing problem recently showed no signs of being resolved, the government also turned to a forward-looking stance on redevelopment and reconstruction projects, but it has not been even two or three months," adding, "It is an unreasonable argument to talk as if the increase in approval volume is due to (the government's) speed battle."

Mayor Oh stated, "There are parts where the Seoul city government can make efforts, and there are parts where the government needs to help," and added, "The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has changed, and I have requested a meeting soon. Once we meet, I will continue to make efforts to improve Seoul's supply environment."

Regarding questions about the Sewoon District 4 redevelopment project, which is currently stalled due to conflicts with the Korea Heritage Service and other entities, he emphasized, "My affection for cultural heritage is by no means less than that of the Administrator of the Korea Heritage Service," highlighting that the Seoul city government has taken the lead in improving the environment surrounding cultural heritage, such as creating the Jongmyo Citizen Plaza and moving Yulgok-ro underground.

He stated, "Is the height (of the buildings to be built in Sewoon District 4) high enough to overwhelm Jongmyo or impair its status as a cultural heritage? Not at all," adding, "The Jongmyo landscape will not be damaged or its heritage value reduced just because buildings of the height planned by the Seoul city government are built."

In addition, he said, "The moment Sewoon Sangga is torn down and a green space 80 meters wide and 1 kilometer long is created there, Jongmyo will become the most prominent space among any historical heritage sites around the world."

Explaining the administrative direction of the 9th popular term, Mayor Oh stated firmly, "I will not just talk about how much Seoul has grown," adding, "I will be evaluated on whether that growth has changed the lives of citizens and led to greater happiness."

He stated, "We have set the quality of life of citizens as our most important goal," announcing the official slogan for the Seoul city government's 9th popular term: "Seoul, a Special City for Quality of Life."

Mayor Oh said, "One hundred days are just the beginning," adding, "I will not waste even a single day, so that citizens can feel changes in their daily lives during the final four years given to me."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.