Kim Min-seok: "Weight Leans Toward Oh Sehun's Guilt on Appeal... Mentally Preparing for Seoul Mayoral Election"

On Friday (October 23), the day the appellate court is set to deliver its verdict on Seoul Mayor Oh Sehun over charges of violating the Political Funds Act, Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok stated, "Because we find no circumstances under which the first trial's guilty verdict would be overturned, we are leaning more toward the expectation that it will likely remain as it is."

Appearing on the Democratic Party's YouTube broadcast "Minty 07," Kim said, "Before getting into legal arguments, we expect that [the first trial verdict] will be upheld and are mentally preparing."

On Friday afternoon, the appellate court will issue its ruling on Mayor Oh, who was sentenced in the first trial to a fine of 10 million won over allegations that opinion poll expenses involving Myung Tae-kyun were paid on his behalf.

If the first-instance sentence is upheld on appeal and ultimately finalized by the Supreme Court, Mayor Oh will lose his post, triggering a Seoul mayoral by-election.

Kim explained, "Being mentally prepared means that the likelihood of holding a Seoul mayoral election is increasing after all," adding, "From our perspective, it is better to view and anticipate it that way, and we are examining various matters centered around Seoul City Chapter Chairman Kim Young-bae."

Regarding the qualifications of Seoul mayoral candidates, Kim said, "For now, I think we are considering what method [for the primary] should be adopted," adding, "Because there are candidates from various factions and there could also be candidates from outside the party, I think we are pondering what would be the most efficient way to bring together our overall capabilities."

Kim also weighed in on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly adopting the confirmation hearing report for Special Inspector nominee Choi Gil-soo the previous day (October 22), evaluating it as "both a return to normalcy and a step forward."

He said, "I am confident that in this administration, corruption involving the president's family and close associates, or negligence in managing those around him, will not occur," adding, "The president is someone who is deeply accustomed to institutionalizing what is called a 'red team' not only in inspections but also in political aspects."

Regarding his meeting the previous day (October 22) at the National Assembly with bereaved families' organizations, including the October 29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Association, Kim said, "They requested help and cooperation from us, and after hearing the government's reports today and tomorrow, we plan to make additional requests to the government as needed."

Kim also announced that he will attend the civic memorial rally for the 4th anniversary of the Itaewon disaster, scheduled to be held on October 24 at Seoul Plaza.

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