A South Korean court on July 22 convicted Seoul Mayor Oh Se‑hoon in a political funds case linked to opinion polls ahead of the 2021 mayoral by‑election and fined him 10 million won (≈$6,759). The court found polling services worth 21 million won (≈$14,194) had been paid for by a longtime supporter and ordered that amount forfeited. Because officials fined over 1 million won or sentenced to jail must forfeit office, the ruling could cost Oh his mayoralty despite his re‑election in June.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se‑hoon Convicted and Fined 10 Million Won; May Lose Office
FILE PHOTO: Oh Se-hoon, Seoul mayoral candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, speaks during his campaign rally in Seoul, South Korea, June 2, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo
Seoul, July 22 — A South Korean court on Wednesday convicted Seoul Mayor Oh Se‑hoon in a political funds case tied to opinion polls conducted ahead of the 2021 Seoul mayoral by‑election and imposed a fine of 10 million won (≈$6,759), local media reported.
Court Findings
The court concluded that Mr. Oh received polling services valued at 21 million won (≈$14,194) and that a longtime supporter covered those costs, a violation of the Political Funds Act. Judges ordered the forfeiture of the 21 million won associated with the illicit payments.
Possible Consequences
The ruling puts Oh—who was re‑elected in June—at risk of losing the mayoralty. Under South Korean law, elected officials forfeit their office if they are fined more than 1 million won or are sentenced to imprisonment.
Exchange rate: $1 = 1,479.6 won.
(Reporting by Kyu‑seok Shim; Editing by Ed Davies)
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