Speculation about a potential Seoul mayoral by-election has intensified following the appearance of a memo on Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok’s glasses case. The note, photographed during a National Assembly session, reportedly listed potential candidates for the mayoral seat, including names that could correspond to prominent political figures.
Key Figures and Potential Candidates Emerge
Photographic evidence captured by a media outlet shows the words “Seoul Mayor Candidate” followed by “Hun-sik,” “Won-sik,” and “Chung-rae” written side-by-side. Political observers suggest these names likely refer to Kang Hun-sik, former presidential secretary for policy, Ahn Won-sik, former National Assembly Speaker, and Chung Sye-kyun, former Democratic Party leader, respectively. Further down the memo, though somewhat blurred, are characters that appear to read “Won-oh” and “Mj.” Interpretations of these suggest former Seoul mayoral candidate Chung Won-ju, former Seongdong-gu mayor, and Representative Lee Jae-myung, respectively.
However, the exact content of these notations and the context in which Kim Min-seok prepared the memo remain unconfirmed. The renewed discussion surrounding a Seoul mayoral election is largely attributed to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the incumbent Mayor, Oh Se-hoon, concerning alleged violations of the Political Funds Act.
Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s Legal Challenges
The controversy stems from the April 2021 by-election for the Seoul mayorship. Oh Se-hoon allegedly commissioned a political broker, Myung Tae-gyun, to conduct a public opinion poll. It is further alleged that businessman Kim Han-jung, a long-time supporter, covered the costs of this poll instead of Oh. This matter was brought before the courts.
In July, the first division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled that Oh Se-hoon had indeed commissioned the poll to Myung Tae-gyun and that Kim Han-jung had paid the expenses. Consequently, the court imposed a fine of 10 million won on Oh and ordered the forfeiture of 21 million won. Oh Se-hoon has appealed this decision.
Under South Korean law, if a politician is fined 1 million won or more for violating the Political Funds Act, they are disqualified from holding office. Given the pace of the legal process, a final ruling from the Supreme Court could come as early as early next year. This has led to political discussions about the possibility of a Seoul mayoral by-election in April of next year, should Oh Se-hoon be removed from office.
The actual timing and occurrence of any by-election, however, will depend on the final court verdict.
Kim Min-seok’s Role and Party Preparations
Kim Min-seok, since assuming his role as party leader, has publicly spoken about preparations for future by-elections. On August 25th, while outlining plans for the “Public Service Innovation Task Force,” he stated, “We will create a stable public service plan that can be applied to the next by-election by the end of this year, and the general elections in the following year, as well as the subsequent local elections.” During his own bid for party leadership, Kim had also mentioned the possibility of by-elections for the Seoul mayorship and the Gangneung parliamentary seat.
Kim Min-seok also took direct charge of the party’s nomination review committee on August 26th. It was on this day, amidst his assumption of responsibilities for election system reform and candidate vetting, that the memo containing “Seoul Mayor Candidate” and potential political figures’ names was found on his glasses case.
Opposition Figures Marked ‘OUT’
The same glasses case reportedly also bore the names of Lee Jin-suk, a Member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, and Han Dong-hoon, a former interim leader of the PPP, with the notation “OUT” next to each. While the precise meaning of “OUT” is unconfirmed, speculation suggests it might relate to the Democratic Party’s strong stance against these two figures. Both have been prominent in recent political discourse, with Lee Jin-suk facing scrutiny over remarks related to the May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement, which led to a motion to expel her from the National Assembly, and a separate disciplinary bill also pending review.
Han Dong-hoon, meanwhile, has been criticized by Kim Min-seok for his alleged role in the controversy surrounding a nominee for Minister of Justice. Kim has publicly challenged Han, urging him to face a parliamentary confirmation hearing and prepare legal measures.
Considering these circumstances, the “OUT” notation could indicate the party’s intention to pursue political or legal action against Lee Jin-suk and Han Dong-hoon.
Lee Jin-suk’s Defense
Lee Jin-suk has vehemently denied making any remarks that demean or trivialize the May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement. She has questioned who truly insulted the movement, contrasting her own actions with Kim Min-seok’s reported presence at an entertainment establishment on the eve of the May 18th anniversary.
Han Dong-hoon’s Response
Han Dong-hoon has denied any collaboration with the prosecution in gathering information related to the allegations against the Justice Minister nominee. He has threatened legal action against Kim Min-seok for alleged defamation and the spread of false information.
The surfacing of this memo, coupled with the ongoing legal and political developments, suggests a dynamic and potentially contentious period ahead for South Korean politics, particularly concerning the Seoul mayorship and the strategies of the ruling Democratic Party.
