Seongdong District chief ascends in Seoul mayoral race as Oh Se-hoon faces legal hurdles

The race for Seoul mayor — among the most closely watched contests in next year’s June 3 local elections — is entering a volatile stretch, as leading contenders from both major parties gain momentum while confronting new political hazards. Within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Seongdong District Chief Chong Won-o has vaulted to the forefront in a field of at least eight potential contenders. At the same time, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) faces fresh uncertainties after being indicted without detention on charges of violating the Political Funds Act. Within the DPK, a diverse range of candidates is emerging, including Reps. Park Hong-keun, Seo Young-kyo, Park Ju-min, Kim Young-bae, Jeon Hyun-heui, as well as former lawmakers Park Yong-jin and Hong Ihk-pyo. Chong, who is currently serving his third term as Seongdong District chief, recently became more prominent in internal polls, closing the gap with the frontrunner, Park Ju-min and establishing himself as a strong contender for the party’s nomination. His rise adds another lWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times