Seoul mayor delays party nomination, signals reform push may shape independent bid

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said on the 12th that he cannot file for party nomination today in connection with the June 3 local elections. He spoke after attending a briefing on the Hi Seoul startup support program at The Plaza Hotel in central Seoul.

Oh said he is encouraged by a previously announced pledge to change course, but he has not seen concrete steps translating that declaration into action. He added that he would share his position on the matter later, once he could assess progress beyond the statements.

In a dialogue with Representative Jang Dong-hyeok, Oh said a shift in direction and personnel changes are needed and that launching the Innovation Campaign Committee early could be the best solution. He warned, however, that there are no clear signs yet that such steps are moving forward.

Oh also noted that Jang’s announcement to halt further activity by the Central Ethics Committee does not, by itself, amount to a genuine policy shift. He implied that more substantial measures are required for real change.

While not pleased about the delay, Oh said he would register only if there are observable changes; he warned that waiting too long could hinder efforts to push for reform. He reiterated that he has not ruled out the possibility of an independent run, but he has not considered it and intends to participate in the election.

In the afternoon, Oh said he met with party leadership to press for the early formation of the Innovation Campaign Committee and conveyed his readiness to participate if signs of change appear. He also urged a bit more time for the party to demonstrate movement before any decision.

Oh stressed that even a one- or two-day postponement could allow him to register and mount a campaign as a single candidate, provided there is genuine momentum toward reform. He said he would register and compete under those conditions.

Context for international readers: Seoul, South Korea’s capital, is a major hub for technology, finance, and global business. Local election outcomes can influence urban policy on startup support, digital governance, housing and transportation reforms, and procurement with potential cross-border effects on U.S. tech and supply chains. The internal dynamics of Oh’s party and the formation of reform-focused committees signal how Seoul’s governance may position itself on issues critical to multinational firms, including regulatory clarity, public-private partnerships, and regional security collaborations.