South Korean Mayor Oh Se-hoon Faces Political Setback After Guilty Verdict

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon fined 10 million won for illegal polling payments, casting doubt on his presidential ambitions.

July 23, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Seoul, South Korea — A South Korean court convicted Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on Wednesday for violating the Political Funds Act by making illegal polling payments ahead of the 2021 mayoral by-election. The 65-year-old conservative, who has led the capital city on and off for nearly two decades, was fined 10 million won (US$8,800).

Under South Korean law, any elected official fined more than 1 million won for such violations faces suspension from office. This legal setback threatens to derail Oh’s political career, particularly his aspirations for the presidency, just weeks after securing a historic fifth term as mayor.

The conviction comes as a significant blow to Oh, who has been a prominent figure in South Korean politics. His legal troubles may now impact his influence — and future political endeavors.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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