Oh Se-hoon suggests constitutional reform to establish mutual checks between legislature, Cabinet

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on Wednesday emphasized the necessity of political and economic reforms, while adopting a cautious stance on a potential run in the event of an early presidential election.
During a press conference held at Seoul City Hall, the 64-year-old mayor addressed questions about his possible candidacy, saying that “it is too early to provide a definitive answer at this time.”
“No one can predict whether an early election will take place until the impeachment verdict is reached. It would be premature and inappropriate to discuss candidacy under such uncertain circumstances,” Oh said, mentioning the ongoing impeachment trial against President Yoon Suk Yeol.
But highlighting his extensive experience as a four-term mayor, Oh added that “The knowledge and expertise I’ve gained through trial and error are not personal assets but public resources. These resources present various possibilities for the future,” leaving the door open for potential bid.
While his four-year mayor term ends in June next year, Oh has often been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate.
As for the qualities needed in a president, Oh underlined the importance of humility and expertise.
“I believe the public desires a leader who has gained wisdom through experience, respects the limits of their knowledge, and deeply understands the challenges of the future.”
When asked about the future of Korea, Oh said he would work on “the normalization of abnormality.”
“After enduring this impeachment turmoil, many citizens wish for rational governance led by a balanced, competent leader. What the nation needs most is a united Korea,” he said.
“Many citizens feel disillusioned by a party that prioritizes seizing power over addressing public welfare,” he added, referencing to ongoing accusations toward the Democratic Party and its party leader Lee Jae-myung, which passed the impeachment motion on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
Reiterating the necessity of constitutional amendments, Oh also emphasized the need for a reform of the nation's power structure to prevent abuses of authority.
“There is growing social discourse on what constitutes a fundamental solution amid the impeachment chaos. Many believe constitutional reform, particularly in the realm of power distribution, is the answer,” he said.
He was suggesting the Constitution reform to grant mutual checks such as the Cabinet having the right to dissolve the legislature and the legislature having the power to vote no-confidence in the Cabinet.
He argued that such measures could have mitigated recent political turmoil, including the opposition’s abuse of its parliamentary majority to push for impeachment.
With his term set to end next June, Oh said he wants to focus on implementing creative governance and achieving measurable results, such as improving Seoul’s competitiveness and transparency, for the remainder of the time.
He said one of his key objectives is to elevate Seoul’s position on the Global Power City Index from its current rank of sixth to fifth.
“The world evaluates Seoul objectively, and improving our ranking is a way to prove that we are a resilient and competitive nation, regardless of political circumstances,” Oh said, adding that he is not obsessed with the ranking but the significance of such achievements reflects Seoul's resilience and competitiveness amid global political challenges.