Oh Se-hoon wins Seoul mayor race, becomes first five-term mayor

Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party has won the Seoul mayoral election, securing a historic fifth term and becoming the first mayor to achieve this milestone. Oh narrowly defeated Jung Bong-oh of the Democratic Party, achieving a comeback victory in a closely contested race.

According to the vote count as of 9:30 a.m. on July 4, with 97.70% of ballots tallied, Oh secured 48.94% of the vote, while Jung received 48.34%. Jung Bong-oh conceded defeat shortly after the results became clear.

Oh Se-hoon previously served as Seoul mayor for two consecutive terms from 2006 to 2011, and then again for two terms starting in 2021. His campaign strategy focused on leveraging his incumbent advantage and high public recognition, distancing himself from the party leadership during the election period. As a non-factional leader within the People Power Party, Oh is expected to play a central role in the conservative bloc's realignment and solidify his position as a potential presidential contender.

Analysts suggest that Oh's victory, despite a tight race, reflects voter sentiment seeking to check the current Lee Jae-myung administration and reflects public opinion on real estate issues in Seoul. The outcome positions Oh Se-hoon as a significant figure in the conservative political landscape.