Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has issued a stark warning to the leadership of the People Power Party (PPP), asserting that a failure to adjust its political course will almost certainly result in defeat in the upcoming local elections. The call for change comes as the party prepares to finalize candidate selections for the June 3rd local elections, a contest widely seen as a key test of the conservative bloc’s strength.
Oh’s message, delivered via a Facebook post on Thursday, March 7, 2026, frames the situation as a critical juncture for the party. He argued that proceeding without addressing fundamental issues will lead to a repeat of the 2018 local election results, a significant setback for the conservative movement. The mayor’s comments are directed specifically at PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk, and represent a final plea for a strategic reassessment.
The core of Oh’s argument centers on a perceived disconnect between the PPP’s current trajectory and the sentiments of voters, particularly in the crucial Seoul metropolitan area. He claims that local party leaders – “the regional strongmen” – are “desperate” and feel unable to compete under the current strategy. According to Oh, public opinion is “hostile” towards the party, leaving candidates with little chance of success. He warned that losing the Seoul region would plunge the conservative movement into another period of political darkness.
“If we lose the Seoul metropolitan area, conservatism will once again fall into a dark age,” Oh wrote in his Facebook post, as reported by Segye Ilbo. “But right now, our party has given up on the Seoul election.” He questioned the value of candidate selection and primaries if the underlying issues of the party’s platform remain unresolved, stating that pushing forward with the current approach would inevitably lead to a “tragic collapse” of competitiveness in the general election.
Growing Concerns Over Party Strategy
Oh Se-hoon’s public criticism underscores a growing rift within the People Power Party regarding its electoral strategy. The mayor has previously voiced concerns about the party’s direction, warning of a potential repeat of the 2018 local election outcome, where the PPP suffered significant losses. Nate News reports that the local elections are just three months away, and Oh is now demanding a change in course from the party leadership.
The mayor’s “win-the-war-before-battle” (선승구전) approach, as he termed it in his post, emphasizes the require to ensure candidates are equipped for success before being deployed into the electoral arena. He directly criticized Jang Dong-hyuk’s current strategy, stating that “a leader who sends soldiers into battle with the conditions for failure already in place is not qualified.” This strong language highlights the urgency Oh feels regarding the situation.
Public Sentiment and Candidate Prospects
Recent polling data suggests Oh Se-hoon is currently the frontrunner among potential conservative candidates for the Seoul mayoral race. A News1 survey conducted on March 2nd, 2026, showed Oh with 24% support among potential voters, followed by Na Kyung-won at 16%. However, a significant 42% of respondents indicated they had no preferred candidate. The survey also revealed that Oh’s support is strongest among voters aged 30 and over, even as support is more divided among those aged 20-40.
The mayor’s concerns are further fueled by the sheer number of candidates vying for positions in the upcoming elections. He noted that over 1,000 candidates are expected to compete for seats in the Seoul metropolitan area alone, and that these candidates are expressing their frustration with the current party leadership. He emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in the party’s approach to address the prevailing negative sentiment among voters.
Oh Se-hoon’s call for a “normalization” of the party’s platform suggests a desire to recalibrate its messaging and policies to better resonate with the electorate. He believes that without such a change, the upcoming elections will be marred by internal conflicts and ultimately result in a disappointing outcome for the People Power Party. The situation remains fluid, and the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the party will heed Oh’s warning and embark on a new course.
The next few weeks will be critical as the People Power Party navigates these internal divisions and prepares for the candidate selection process. The outcome of this period will likely shape the party’s prospects in the June 3rd local elections and have significant implications for the future of the conservative movement in South Korea. What remains to be seen is whether Jang Dong-hyuk will respond to Oh Se-hoon’s urgent plea and initiate the necessary changes to address the growing concerns within the party.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the People Power Party? Share your opinions in the comments below.
