SBS News

"Justice Will Prevail, Step Down" vs. "Politically Motivated Ruling, Strict Only on the Opposition"

Son Hyeong-an

Published : Jul 23, 2026 6:11 AM

Video

The Democratic Party stated that justice has been served, while the People Power Party claimed it was a politically motivated ruling.

Reporter Son Hyeong-an has the details.

Following the news that Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, affiliated with the People Power Party, was sentenced to a 10 million won fine—a penalty equivalent to voiding his election—in his first-trial ruling for violating the Political Funds Act, the Democratic Party commented that it was a "natural outcome of justice" for clear crimes.

The Democratic Party emphasized that it has been proven Mayor Oh utilized public opinion polls commissioned through a political broker for his election and had a supporter pay the costs on his behalf. They raised their voices, demanding that Mayor Oh take legal and political responsibility for undermining the electoral system, which is the foundation of democracy.

The Democratic Party faction in the Seoul Metropolitan Council stated, "Confusion in the administration of the capital, Seoul, has become inevitable due to Mayor Oh's 'judicial risks' less than a month into his term," demanding his voluntary resignation. The Rebuilding Korea Party also sharpened its tone, stating, "Resignation is the final duty he can fulfill for the public and Seoul citizens."

On the other hand, the People Power Party protested, calling it a "political ruling" that destroyed judicial justice.

The People Power Party commented, "Among the public, the perception is spreading that the ruling party is found innocent while the opposition party is found guilty," adding, "It is a ruling that invites political controversy and shakes the foundation of democracy."

Floor Leader Jung Jeom-sik stated through an official release that while he respects the court's judgment, "It is questionable whether a guilty verdict could be rendered solely based on a judge's preconceptions relying on the inconsistent statements of Myung Tae-kyun," adding, "We expect a thorough verification and judgment to be made in the appellate trial."

Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon posted on social media, "The credibility of the related parties' testimonies is low, and there are many leaps in logic, making it a difficult ruling to accept."

(Video filming: Lee Seung-hwan, Shin Dong-hwan | Video editing: Jang Hyun-ki | Design: Kang Yoon-jung)

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.