Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon faces indictment without detention on Monday in a major political funds case. Prosecutors linked the allegations to former first lady Kim Keon Hee and illegal polling support during Oh’s 2021 mayoral campaign.
Special prosecutor Min Joong-ki’s team said Oh instructed a supporter to pay for opinion polls designed to sway the People Power Party’s internal contest. Pollster Myung Tae-kyun conducted the surveys and now faces separate investigations for manipulating results.
Oh won the Seoul mayoral by-election in April 2021, held after former Mayor Park Won-soon’s death. Investigators reported that businessperson Kim Han-jung paid 33 million won ($22,400) to Myung’s firm for ten unpublished polls conducted in January and February 2021 at Oh’s request.
In addition to Oh, prosecutors indicted Kim and Kang Cheol-won, Oh’s former deputy mayor and chief secretary, without detention. Prosecutors said Kang coordinated polling arrangements with Myung on Oh’s behalf. Myung claimed he met Oh seven times to discuss the results, but Oh and Kim deny direct contact with the pollster.
Legal experts say the indictment carries significant political implications, especially ahead of upcoming local elections. Observers note it raises public concerns about transparency and accountability in campaign financing.
The political funds case highlights the government’s strict enforcement of electoral regulations. Analysts predict intense public scrutiny during the trial. Seoul city officials confirmed full cooperation with prosecutors. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers called for stronger oversight of campaign financing.
Experts warn this political funds case may set a precedent for prosecuting election finance violations in South Korea. Prosecutors plan to gather evidence carefully and interview witnesses.
The case underscores the need for clear campaign finance rules and demonstrates risks tied to informal polling arrangements. Residents and political analysts are closely watching this high-profile investigation.
