Oh Se-hoon: "Han Dong-hoon's Return to PPP Should Not Be Rushed to Avoid Becoming a Stumbling Block"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated that while independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon should eventually work with the People Power Party (PPP), rushing his return could become a hindrance to the party, suggesting a need for a measured approach.
In an interview with YTN, when asked by the anchor for his thoughts on Han as a politician to join in rebuilding the conservative bloc, Mayor Oh replied, "He is naturally a valuable asset we should work with."
Regarding questions about Han's return to the party, Oh said, "I called both of them (after the election). I thanked Jang Dong-hyuk for leading the election as party leader, and I also congratulated former leader Han. During our conversation, I told him, 'It would be better to take a relaxed approach regarding the issue of returning to the party.'"
He explained the reasoning, stating, "There are still quite a few lawmakers within our party who have reservations about former leader Han. If he appears to be rushing his return, it could actually become a stumbling block for the Jang Dong-hyuk leadership to take responsibility and step down."
He added, "I made those remarks with the intention that it would be good to coordinate political schedules while carefully considering political dynamics."
In the same interview, Mayor Oh addressed the 18-month prison sentence requested by prosecutors yesterday in connection with the so-called "Myung Tae-kyun public opinion poll scandal," saying, "I expected that level (of sentencing request)."
Regarding the trial outcome, he expressed confidence, saying, "I am absolutely certain of my innocence."
Mayor Oh asked rhetorically, "The political special counsel made a political indictment, and I have a lot to say about that. It was a highly inappropriate indictment. There is no clear evidence other than the statements of the liar Myung Tae-kyun. Given that, would the prosecutors (special counsel team) who pushed for an unreasonable indictment make a rational sentencing request?"
Mayor Oh claimed, "The timing of the indictment is also an issue," adding, "After the case began to surface in September 2024, I urged a swift investigation several times, but the prosecution dragged it out and then handed it over to the new administration once the government changed."
He further pointed out, "The special counsel took it over and timed the indictment precisely so that the trial would take place during the election period."
He also emphasized, "There was some consideration (by the court) to minimize the impact on the election. However, as a result, the election period proceeded without escaping that influence. There must be a clear raising of issues regarding such matters."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.