Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon held an emergency press conference on the 12th and said, "I will not run in this presidential election."
Mayor Oh had originally announced his intention to declare candidacy for the presidential election the following day, on the 13th.
On this day, Mayor Oh stated at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, "To normalize the abnormality, I will play the role of a catalyst with a sense of duty," and made this announcement.
Mayor Oh noted, "How do you think our party's entry into the presidential election phase, as if nothing had happened since the impeachment decision of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, will be perceived by the public?" He added, "Over the past week, I couldn't help but feel deep regret and concern while observing the party's situation."
He continued, "I believe that only after sincerely reflecting on past mistakes and seeking forgiveness from the public can one qualify to participate in the presidential election."
Mayor Oh emphasized, "I will set aside the opportunity to run, but I have just one request for the party and candidates: I hope they will place 'regrowth' and 'accompaniment with the weak' at the core agenda of the presidential election. I will support any candidate who aligns with this vision and dedicate myself to regaining power."
Regarding the recent increasing voices within the party urging Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is serving as acting president, to run for presidential candidate, he stated, "I expect the Prime Minister to make a decision based on his own determination and will regarding the atmosphere within the party."