Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (Yonhap)
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (Yonhap)

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's office sharply criticized Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok on Thursday over his remark that a by-election for Seoul mayor was "99.9 percent" certain. The office asked, "Is this an order to the judiciary, which is still hearing the case, to reach that conclusion?"

Lee Jong-hyun, a special adviser on public livelihood for the Seoul Metropolitan Government, made the remarks in a commentary Thursday. He said, "The appellate trial concerning the Seoul mayor has only just begun, yet [Kim] has effectively predetermined the outcome by claiming a by-election is 99.99 percent certain." Kim appeared on Democratic Party TV on Thursday morning to explain the controversy over his notebook. He said, "I believe there is a 99.99 percent chance of both a Seoul mayoral election and a by-election for the National Assembly seat in Gangneung, Gangwon Province." He added, "It is only natural to prepare for that."

Lee said, "This goes beyond a simple political statement. It is an act that undermines the independence of the judiciary. It is hard to avoid criticism that it amounts to a new form of pressure demanding the court reach its preferred conclusion." He added, "At a time when instability in the real estate market and hardships in people's livelihoods continue, treating a Seoul mayoral by-election as a foregone conclusion destabilizes steady city administration. This is irresponsible behavior for the leader of the ruling party." Lee said, "The serious task of running the city bears responsibility for the lives of 10 million citizens. It is not something that can be shaken by the Democratic Party's electoral calculations."

Lee also said, "The Seoul mayor is focused on livelihood issues and city administration, and Seoul officials are working steadfastly for citizens without wavering." He added, "The office of Seoul mayor is not a seat decided in the Democratic Party leader's notebook." He said, "I ask that Kim Min-seok immediately stop his reckless remarks and pressure directed at the judiciary. I also ask that he apologize for his careless conduct, which has also insulted the choice made by the citizens of Seoul."


cook@heraldcorp.com