Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon apologized to the public on the 23rd after being acquitted on appeal of violating the Political Funds Act, saying, "I should have conducted my public life more carefully and flawlessly than anyone, and I am truly sorry and apologetic for having been seen appearing before prosecutors and the court."
Oh made the remarks after the ruling was delivered at the Seoul High Court that day, adding, "I will conduct myself even more prudently going forward."
He also thanked residents who supported him while the trial was under way. "I sincerely thank the citizens of Seoul who trusted me and voted to let me work as Seoul mayor again, even though the election was held in the middle of the trial," he said. "I will work even harder to repay their trust and not fall short of it."
On Facebook, Oh wrote, "It came late, but the truth has finally found its place. I believe that right prevails in the end." He added, "I will now devote myself to Seoul's administration with an even heavier sense of responsibility. I will build Seoul into a 'special city for quality of life,' where each and every person's life is happy."
Prosecutors have said they will appeal to the Supreme Court, leaving the top court's judgment outstanding. But with the acquittal removing a substantial part of his legal risk, the ruling is expected to add momentum to the city government's major policy initiatives. With uncertainty from the trial reduced, Oh's flagship projects — including the "AI Youth Ladder" program, stabilizing Han River bus operations and promoting the nighttime economy — are also expected to pick up speed.
Earlier that morning, Oh visited the construction site of the Seoul Arena in the capital's Dobong District and the area around Chang-dong Station to review preparations for the venue's opening. He returned to Seoul City Hall immediately after the acquittal and resumed work, signaling his intent to focus on city affairs.
Whether the acquittal will translate directly into stable city governance remains uncertain. The Seoul Metropolitan Council, where the Democratic Party of Korea holds a majority, is expected to continue checking the mayor. Next month's administrative audit and deliberations on next year's budget are likely to bring disputes over the performance of key projects and the validity of their budgets. Observers inside and outside the city government say a key variable for Oh's administration going forward will be whether he can restore cooperative relations with the council and deliver visible results in his priority projects.