Seoul Mayor: Yoon's martial law 'misjudgment' imperiled conservatives

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has directly blamed former President Yoon Suk-yeol's "political misjudgment" regarding a potential declaration of martial law for plunging the conservative camp into its current crisis. In an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun, Oh asserted that parting ways with Yoon's "political misjudgment" is essential for the conservative movement's recovery.

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The person we need to part ways with is former President Yoon's political misjudgment.

During the interview, conducted in Korean and reported by the Japanese newspaper, Oh acknowledged that while Yoon's actions created a crisis, the public is not rejecting conservatism itself. He stressed that for the conservative bloc to regain public confidence, it must demonstrate sincerity, embrace inclusivity, and prove its competence. Oh suggested that by consistently improving citizens' quality of life through tangible achievements, conservatism could once again inspire hope.

Addressing potential alliances, Oh indicated openness to collaborating with individuals who share similar political values and directions. When asked about aligning with independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon or Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, Oh stated that cooperation is necessary with those who share common political values. He also mentioned former lawmakers Yoo Seung-min and Ahn Cheol-soo, who supported his mayoral campaign, as figures holding similar views.

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If we can show the ability to continuously improve the quality of life for the people through results, conservatism can become a force that gives hope to the people again.

On the prospect of a future presidential bid, Oh, who has been considered a potential candidate since his first Seoul mayoral election in 2006, stated that the possibility always exists but depends on the political landscape at the time. His immediate priority, he emphasized, is to deliver results befitting a fifth-term mayor. Regarding inter-Korean relations, Oh commended the current administration for effectively managing the improved relations with the United States and Japan, a continuation from the previous Yoon administration.

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We must join forces with those who share political values and direction.