[Edaily Byung-ho Jang KIM HYUNG-HWAN LEE YOUNG-MIN Reporters] Following the acquittal of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon in his appeal trial on charges of violating the Political Funds Act, the possibility of solidarity among conservative opposition parties is once again drawing attention. With the legal risks facing a leading presidential contender largely resolved, attention is focused on whether Mayor Oh can serve as a unifying force for the divided conservative camp.

According to political circles on the 25th, the Seoul High Court acquitted Mayor Oh on the 23rd of the “allegations of paying for Myung Tae-kyun’s opinion polls,” for which he had been sentenced to a fine of 10 million won in the first trial. Experts analyzed that this ruling could strengthen Mayor Oh’s political standing and bring about changes in the competition for leadership within the conservative camp. Eom Kyung-young, director of the Spirit of the Times Research Institute, predicted that “the center of gravity within the party will shift toward Mayor Oh.” Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon anticipated that “discussions regarding the so-called ‘Oh-Dong-Seok’ alliance—comprising Mayor Oh, independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, and Reform Party lawmaker Lee Jun-seok—will regain momentum.”

While the People Power Party leadership welcomed Mayor Oh’s acquittal, it drew a line against interpretations linking it to shifts in the party’s power dynamics. Park Seong-hoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated, “I hope Mayor Oh’s acquittal is not interpreted in connection with the political landscape,” adding, “The party leader has his role as party leader, and Mayor Oh holds a position responsible for the lives of 10 million Seoul citizens.”

The positions of those involved in the potential alliance also diverge. On the 25th, a lawmaker appeared on KBS1’s “Sunday Diagnosis: Rai” and described Mayor Oh as “an extremely reasonable person,” adding, “He is someone we must join forces with and move forward together for the victory of the conservative camp.” Regarding the possibility of an alliance between the two, the lawmaker expressed a positive attitude, stating, “We have never given up on that.” On the other hand, Representative Lee, when asked about the possibility of an alliance between Mayor Oh and Representative Han on YTN Radio’s “Jang Seong-cheol’s News Myeongdang” on the 23rd—prior to the appellate court’s ruling—dismissed the idea outright, saying, “Mayor Oh wouldn’t even consider that.” He even went so far as to call Representative Han a “shallow legal technician,” expressing strong opposition.

However, there is also speculation that discussions on a conservative alliance could enter a new phase following the People Power Party’s national convention next August. Director Eom assessed, “Rep. Han’s reinstatement should be viewed as a matter for the next leadership after next year’s national convention,” adding, “The outcome of the national convention could also change depending on whom Mayor Oh supports.” On the other hand, Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University noted, “While this is a positive development for the People Power Party in terms of having a presidential contender, it is unlikely to bring about significant changes in the power structure,” adding that it is necessary to wait and see the outcomes of the trials scheduled for next month involving former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho.

Regardless of the competition for leadership within the party, Mayor Oh is expected to focus on Seoul city administration for the time being while enhancing his political presence through policy confrontations with the government. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Mayor Oh plans to announce next year’s Seoul city budget proposal at the end of this month, which will include key projects under the “G3 Seoul Plan,” a core policy of the 9th popularly elected administration. Mayor Oh’s real estate policies are also expected to gain momentum. As the feasibility of major urban renewal projects—such as the Rapid Integrated Planning initiative and “Moa Town”—increases, the plan to break ground on 310,000 housing units through Rapid Integrated Planning by 2031 is expected to gain momentum. Conflicts surrounding development projects where the city and the government hold differing views—such as plans to utilize portions of the Yongsan Park site for rental housing and the redevelopment of the Seun District 4—are also expected to continue.

Choi Jin, president of the Presidential Leadership Research Institute, said, “As Mayor Oh expands his sphere of influence beyond Seoul City administration to include activities both within and outside the party, he could serve as a new focal point for the conservative camp,” adding, “Although he has been hesitant to criticize the Jang Dong-hyuk administration so far, it is highly likely that he will voice much stronger criticism going forward.”