Oh Se-hoon
Overview
Oh Se-hoon (吳世勳, born January 4, 1961) is a South Korean politician serving as the 38th and 39th Mayor of Seoul. A member of the Grand National Party and the People Power Party, he is one of the leading figures in the conservative camp. During his tenure as mayor, he focused on strengthening urban competitiveness and expanding welfare policies. A former legal professional, he passed the bar exam and worked as a prosecutor before entering politics.
Main Content
Early Life and Education
Oh Se-hoon was born in Seoul in 1961. He graduated from Gyeonggi High School and entered Seoul National University's College of Law. In 1985, he passed the 27th bar examination and was appointed as a prosecutor, subsequently serving at the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office. During his time as a prosecutor, he was recognized for his commitment to fair law enforcement and human rights protection.
Entry into Politics and Early Activities
In the 2000 16th National Assembly election, he ran as a Grand National Party candidate in the Seocho-gu Gap district of Seoul and was elected. He later secured re-election in the 2004 17th National Assembly election, solidifying his political standing. In the National Assembly, he served on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, earning recognition for his policy expertise.
First Term as Mayor of Seoul (2006–2011)
In the 2006 4th Local Elections, he ran as the Grand National Party candidate for Mayor of Seoul and was elected. During his term, he promoted the 'Design Seoul' project, focusing on improving urban aesthetics and expanding cultural infrastructure. He continued the Cheonggyecheon restoration project, initiated the Han River Renaissance Project, and implemented eco-friendly policies such as improving the public transportation system and expanding bicycle lanes. However, in 2011, he faced a political crisis when he resigned as mayor during the free school meal referendum process.
Second Term as Mayor of Seoul (2021–Present)
In the April 7, 2021 by-election, he was re-elected as Mayor of Seoul as the People Power Party candidate. He subsequently won re-election in the 2022 8th Local Elections and remains in office. In his second term, he focused on overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery, promoting 'Companionship with the Vulnerable' as a core value and expanding welfare policies. Key policies include the introduction of the Climate Companion Card, Seoul-type emergency welfare, expansion of youth allowances, and development along the Han River through the 'Great Han River Project.'
Policy Stance and Controversies
Oh Se-hoon is classified as a conservative politician but takes an active stance on welfare policies. Under the slogan 'Companionship with the Vulnerable,' he emphasized policies for low-income and disadvantaged groups. However, some progressive circles criticize his policies for failing to bring about substantial change. Additionally, in 2023, he was embroiled in controversy over the political neutrality of Seoul city officials.
Latest Trends
As of 2024, Oh Se-hoon, as Mayor of Seoul, is pursuing various projects with the goal of making Seoul a 'Global Top 5 City.' In 2025, he announced plans to create a 'Seoul AI Hub' to foster the artificial intelligence industry and is leading discussions on expanding the Climate Companion Card and making public transportation free. He is also promoting policies to ease height restrictions along the Han River and expand housing supply, which has drawn opposition from some civic groups. Politically, he is mentioned as a potential candidate for the next presidential election, expanding his influence within the conservative camp.
Related Topics
- [[Mayor of Seoul]]
- [[People Power Party]]
- [[2021 South Korean by-elections]]
- [[Climate Companion Card]]
- [[Companionship with the Vulnerable]]
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