Former lawmaker Kim Young-seon testified in a Seoul Central District Court hearing that Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon remarked on the unauthorized opinion poll case involving foreign labor, stating, ‘If a poll emerges here labeling it solely a foreign worker issue, that would resolve it.’
During the April 1 proceedings at the 22nd Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Jo Hyung-woo), Kim detailed a meeting with Oh and others. Responding to questions from special prosecutor team leader Cheok, Kim confirmed encountering Oh at the presidential office on January 20, 2021.
2020 Election Analysis Meeting
Kim recounted a 2020 presidential election analysis where Oh allegedly said, ‘If only a foreign worker issue surfaces here.’ Kim emphasized that Oh never provided an apartment to Myeong Tae-gyun as a gift, countering claims that Oh first met Kim via Myeong and occupied the apartment based on a ‘foreign worker’ determination.
‘No evidence supports that interpretation,’ Kim stated, insisting Oh did not seize the apartment.
Oh’s Defense
Oh’s legal team argued that during the probe, prosecutors questioned Myeong first, then Oh, who maintained his one-hour testimony without alteration. ‘Matching statements with Myeong is not the case,’ they asserted. ‘Conveying unsubstantiated content to Myeong does not align with facts.’
Kim clarified that discussions with Oh lacked basis for relaying to Myeong, responding that investigative exchanges with prosecutors were routine.
Oh’s Post-Hearing Statement
Following testimony, Oh addressed citizens, expressing, ‘I feel heartbroken receiving such a panel during the election period.’ He added, ‘The special investigation team should claim half the verdict proceeds.’
