Oh Se-hoon

Oh was prosecuted over polling commissioned from political broker Myung Tae-kyun before the 2021 by-election, with 21 million won in costs paid by a supporter. On 22 July 2026, the first-instance court classified five polls as political financing and imposed a ten-million-won fine and confiscation of 21 million won.

Attribution

Personally implicated

The Han River Bus service, a flagship project of Oh's administration, suffered breakdowns, delays and technical problems after launch, leading to suspension just ten days after service began. An incident also left a boat stranded with dozens of passengers.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

An official audit criticised preparation of the Han River Bus: errors in calculating total cost, omission of investment procedures and an independent feasibility study, questionable economic methods and public use of a target speed exceeding some vessels' expected performance.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

City Hall promoted redevelopment of the Sewoon area allowing much taller towers near Jongmyo Royal Shrine, a UNESCO-listed site. The central government, heritage experts and opponents warned of risks to the historic landscape and the site's status.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The planned new incineration facility in Mapo triggered strong local opposition. Residents challenged the site selection, and courts found irregularities in certain procedures and the composition of the selection committee. In February 2026, Seoul's appeal was rejected.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

The municipal "Garden of Gratitude" project in Gwanghwamun, dedicated to countries that aided Korea during the war, drew criticism over its cost of more than 20 billion won, its design, references to donated weapons and a timetable considered rushed ahead of local elections. During the completion ceremony, the city omitted Oh's address from certain broadcasts to reduce the risk of electoral controversy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

On 26 May 2026, part of the Seosomun overpass, a construction site managed within a city project, collapsed during demolition and inspection work, killing three workers and injuring others. The accident immediately became a controversy over municipal construction safety during the election campaign.

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Under Oh, Seoul decided to end the public funding arrangement for TBS, a broadcaster regularly accused by conservatives of favouring progressives. Critics denounced an attempt to weaken a media outlet because of its editorial stance and a threat to press freedom.

Attribution

Political responsibility

Oh advocated mechanisms allowing certain foreign domestic and care workers to be paid below the national minimum wage or under a different system, to make these services affordable for families.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No legal proceedings

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following the deadly Itaewon crowd crush, Oh apologised publicly and the city was criticised over preparation for large gatherings, emergency coordination and public safety.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

After floods killed residents of semi-basement homes, Seoul announced plans to gradually prohibit this form of housing. The disaster prompted criticism of urban inequality and insufficient flood protection, while the proposed ban was considered difficult to implement without affordable replacement homes.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No legal proceedings

Attribution

Political responsibility

During the 2021 mayoral campaign, Oh was accused of minimising his knowledge that land belonging to his wife's family in Naegok-dong had been included in a housing development during his previous term, generating substantial compensation.

State of the evidence

Alleged

Attribution

Directly implicated

Oh was investigated over a campaign statement claiming that the former Pi-City development project was not directly linked to his mayoral administration. Police searched Seoul City Hall to verify his statements.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Oh tied his mayoral mandate to a referendum seeking to limit the universal free school meals programme. Turnout fell below the required threshold, invalidating the vote, and Oh resigned as he had pledged.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No legal proceedings

Attribution

Political responsibility