For the first time in constitutional history, a metropolitan governor has won a fifth term. Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, the Seoul mayor-elect, edged out Democratic Party of Korea candidate Chong Won-o after a tight race in the June 3 local elections to secure a third consecutive term. Including his wins in 2006 (the 4th popular election) and 2010 (the 5th popular election), this marks his fifth time as Seoul mayor.
Oh trailed through the middle of the vote count. Exit polls also showed a deficit beyond the margin of error. But after midnight, he rapidly narrowed the gap and, at about 7:17 a.m. on the 4th, took the lead over Chong for the first time. He then widened the margin and solidified his advantage. At about 9:30 a.m., Chong conceded defeat.
Oh said, "The result of this election is a victory for ordinary and diligent citizens," adding, "I will surely make Seoul a city that inspires pride."
With this win, Oh set a record with a fifth term as Seoul mayor. First elected in 2006, he won reelection in 2010. But in August of the following year, he stepped down, taking responsibility for the nullification of the referendum on free school meals. He then ran in the 20th general election in 2016 and the 21st in 2020, but suffered back-to-back defeats, facing a political crisis.
The turnaround came in 2021. He returned to City Hall after winning the Seoul mayoral by-election held following the death of former Mayor Park Won-soon. He then won again in the 2022 local elections to become a four-term mayor and reached the fifth-term milestone in this election.
Oh has already served more than 10 years as Seoul mayor. If he completes the 9th popular term, his tenure will exceed 14 years. Observers say it is an exceptionally long tenure even when compared across both the Joseon-era Hansung panyun and post-liberation Seoul mayors.
According to historical records, from 1395 to 1910 there were 1,952 Hansung panyun, with an average tenure of just 3.6 months. Since liberation, 38 people are known to have served as Seoul mayor.
In this election, Oh campaigned under the slogan "Change begun, overwhelming completion." He is expected to steer city governance with the goal of enhancing Seoul's international competitiveness. His key pledges include supplying 310,000 dwellings by 2031, "Rapid Integrated Planning" season 2, development of Gangbuk and the southwestern area, expansion of transportation networks, more late-night and early-morning buses, and creating a "10-minute exercise zone" city where residents can work out within 10 minutes of home.
With this victory, Oh secured continuity in city governance while also expanding his standing as a leading conservative presidential contender. As the People Power Party leadership grapples with poor results in the June 3 local elections, some see Oh emerging as a key pillar in a reorganization of the conservative camp.