Oh Se-hoon

Early life and political rise

Trained in law, Oh entered public life after working in legal practice and then winning election to national office. He moved from the legislative arena into city government, building a profile around governance, infrastructure, and housing issues that positioned him as a leading candidate for Seoul's top municipal post.

Mayor of Seoul: terms and focus

Oh first served as mayor from 2006 until 2011. During that time he emphasized urban redevelopment, public transport improvements and initiatives aimed at economic vitality in the city. He returned to the mayoralty in 2021 following a special election and has continued to prioritize housing, traffic and development policy while responding to contemporary challenges in the capital.

Key events and controversies

His political career has included several contentious moments. Notably, in 2011 he held a citywide referendum on education-related subsidy changes; the vote failed to meet the required turnout threshold and he resigned, taking responsibility for the result. His positions on real estate redevelopment and school policy have provoked sustained public debate.

Political alignment and public role

Oh is identified with conservative political forces in Korea, including parties that later formed or joined the People Power Party and its predecessors. As mayor he represents one of the country's most visible municipal offices and plays a role in national discussions about urban policy, housing markets and local governance.

Further reading

• Political profile
• Mayor of Seoul office