Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Calls for Change in People Power Party Leadership

On July 24, 2025, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon addressed the People Power Party (국민의힘), urging those responsible for the party's recent presidential election defeat to step down. In a Facebook post, he stated, 'The command from the people is to be reborn anew.' He emphasized that it is time for those accountable for the government's failures and the election loss to resign, reiterating that the public's message is clear: 'People Power Party, be reborn.'

While Mayor Oh did not specify individuals, many interpreted his comments as a reference to key figures involved in the party's leadership during the election, including former presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo (김문수) and members of the previous leadership, such as Kwon Young-se (권영세) and Kwon Seong-dong (권성동).

Oh expressed concern over the current state of the People Power Party, describing it as suffering from a 'balance collapse' due to a dominance of specific voices. He called for a bold transformation that respects traditional conservative values while also embracing necessary changes. He stated that the upcoming party convention on August 22, where a new party leader will be elected, represents a critical juncture for the party's revival, marking a break from the past and a step towards the future.

He stressed that innovation requires a commitment to decisive action, urging the creation of opportunities for future generations. He warned that if the party continues to be mired in internal power struggles, it will have no future. 'Those who need to take responsibility must do so, and we must move forward towards the future,' he said.

Later that day, Mayor Oh was scheduled to meet with Ahn Cheol-soo (안철수), a candidate for the party leadership, to discuss concerns regarding the party's recent shift to the right. Oh has also expressed worries about the recent admission of Jeon Han-gil (전한길), a history instructor who has promoted claims of election fraud. Ahn echoed these concerns, stating that if the party is overtaken by extreme factions, it could lead to its irreparable decline.