Seoul mayor attends five events over the weekend; acquittal seen as boost to political ambitions

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon delivers remarks at the 2026 Jingwansa Gukhaeng Suryukjae "The Whole World Is One Family" public ceremony at Jingwansa Temple in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, on Saturday. [Provided by Jingwansa Temple]
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon delivers remarks at the 2026 Jingwansa Gukhaeng Suryukjae "The Whole World Is One Family" public ceremony at Jingwansa Temple in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, on Saturday. [Provided by Jingwansa Temple]

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, acquitted Friday in an appeal over allegations that a political broker paid for polling on his behalf, kept up a packed schedule over the weekend, attending multiple public events Saturday and previewing more for Sunday — including a memorial for the victims of the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush. Saturday alone saw him move through engagements from morning to late evening.

The flurry of activity is widely read as a sign of confidence that Oh has effectively put his legal troubles behind him. Although the special prosecutor is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, meaning the acquittal is not yet final, the ruling is seen as giving fresh momentum to his administration and strengthening his standing as a leading contender for the next presidential race. His broad public presence over the weekend is expected to continue.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Oh attended a traditional Buddhist rite known as Gukhaeng Suryukjae at Jingwansa Temple in Eunpyeong-gu on Saturday morning. The ceremony, which dates to the Joseon Dynasty, is held to pray for a world in which all living beings — across ethnic and national boundaries — are respected and coexist in peace.

"This year's theme, 'The Whole World Is One Family,' carries a profound teaching: that all life is interconnected and that no one's suffering is unrelated to us," Oh said. "Seoul will work to protect the dignity of every citizen and build a warm, dependable community that does not turn away from neighbors in need."

That afternoon, Oh attended a ceremony at Gwanghwamun Square marking the donation of Swedish stone for a gratitude garden installation called "Light of Gratitude 23." "The Republic of Korea will never forget Sweden's noble humanitarian spirit and solidarity — its refusal to look away from the suffering of a distant nation," he said. "The stone Sweden has sent will be a precious symbol, engraving that gratitude into Gwanghwamun Square."

He then attended a civic memorial at Seoul Plaza marking the fourth anniversary of the Oct. 29 Itaewon crowd crush. The event, held ahead of the Oct. 29 anniversary, was co-hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Ministry of Interior and Safety, the Oct. 29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families Association and a civic task force. About 2,000 people attended, including Oh, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, party leaders, bereaved families and members of the public.

Oh also appeared at a sports day for press photographers' families held at the National Assembly — a private engagement not on his public schedule. There, he addressed the upcoming general election. "When the People Power Party presents a united front rather than a divided one, it will bring comfort to the people," he said.

Asked about calls from within the ruling camp to impeach Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae following Friday's acquittal, Oh pushed back. "Statements keep pouring out that seem to mistake elected power for power that stands above all three branches of government," he said. "I urge the executive and legislative branches — which are wielding power excessively on the basis of their majority — to exercise restraint."

Later Saturday, Oh was scheduled to attend "Chicken Day," the closing event of the 2026 Car-Free Jamsu Bridge Walking Festival at Jamsu Bridge.

The five engagements over the two days mark a sharp departure from his recent weekend pace. Earlier this month, he attended just two official weekend events: the 2026 Gangnam Festival on Dosandaero on Oct. 3 and the third Seoul Animal Protection Day ceremony at Yeouido Han River Park on Oct. 17.

A Seoul Metropolitan Government official said the events — aside from the press photographers' gathering — had all been scheduled in advance.

Oh was indicted by a special prosecutor on charges that, ahead of the April 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election, he received polling results from political broker Myung Tae-gyun and had businessman Kim Han-jeong — described as a supporter — cover the cost. A lower court sentenced him to a fine of 10 million won ($7,550). On Friday, an appeals court overturned that guilty verdict, sparing him from losing his mayoral seat.


ken@heraldcorp.com