Seoul mayoral candidates 정원오 (Democratic Party) and 오세훈 (People Power Party) exchanged harsh criticisms during the final weekend of early voting.
The escalating rhetoric reflects a high-stakes battle for undecided voters as both candidates attempt to define their opponent's record on safety, housing policy, and general competence.
정원오 targeted the record of his opponent, calling 오세훈 incompetent for 10 years [1]. The Democratic candidate pushed a theory of judging that incompetence, stating that 오세훈 is not only incompetent but also irresponsible, he said.
오세훈 responded by questioning the leadership capabilities of his rival. He said that 정원오 lacks the qualities necessary to serve as mayor.
Campaign activities focused on several key areas of the city. Both candidates moved through Seongdong-gu, Gwangjin-gu, and Jungnang-gu, as well as the northern districts of Seoul [1].
The candidates are utilizing these final hours of early voting to sway the electorate through targeted attacks on their opponent's professional history. The focus remains on whether the city requires a change in leadership or a continuation of existing policies, a divide that has defined the current race.
“정원오 called 오세훈 “incompetent for 10 years””
The shift toward personal attacks on competence and character in the final days of early voting suggests that the candidates believe the race is too close to win on policy alone. By framing the election as a judgment on a decade of performance or a lack of fundamental leadership traits, both campaigns are attempting to mobilize their bases and capture undecided voters through negative framing before the official election date.
