[Anchor]

Following the first-instance ruling sentencing Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon to a fine that would invalidate his election, the Democratic Party of Korea stated that it is a "matter of course" for a clear crime. In contrast, the People Power Party strongly protested, calling it a "political ruling" and arguing that the court applied strict standards only to the opposition party.

Reporter Son Hyeong-an has the details.

[Reporter]

Upon the news that Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, affiliated with the People Power Party, was sentenced to a 10 million won fine in the first trial on charges of violating the Political Funds Act—a penalty that would strip him of his office if finalized—the Democratic Party commented that it is the "result of justice prevailing" over a clear crime.

The Democratic Party asserted that it has been proven Mayor Oh utilized opinion polls commissioned through a political broker for his election and had a donor pay the costs on his behalf. They raised their voices, demanding that Mayor Oh, who undermined the electoral system that forms the foundation of democracy, fulfill his legal and political responsibilities.

The Democratic Party faction in the Seoul Metropolitan Council demanded Mayor Oh's voluntary resignation, stating, "Confusion in the administration of the capital, Seoul, has become 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 stance, stating, "Resignation is the final duty he can perform for the public and the citizens of Seoul."

On the other hand, the People Power Party pushed back, calling it a "political ruling" that shattered judicial justice.

The People Power Party commented, "The perception that the ruling party is found not guilty while the opposition is found guilty is spreading among the public," and added, "This ruling invites political controversy and shakes the foundations of democracy."

Floor Leader Jung Jeom-shik stated through an official release that while he respects the court's judgment, he questioned, "Whether a guilty verdict can be handed down based solely on a judge's preconceptions relying on the inconsistent statements of Myung Tae-kyun." He added, "We expect a thorough verification and judgment to be made in the appellate trial."

Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon posted on social media, saying, "It is a difficult ruling to accept because the testimonies of those involved lack credibility and contain many leaps in logic."

(Camera & Video Reporting: Lee Seung-hwan, Shin Dong-hwan | Video Editing: Jang Hyun-ki | Design: Kang Yoon-jung)