Seoul Mayor Faces Allegations of Poll Survey Payment
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who is facing allegations of “poll survey payment suspicions,” appeared at the office of Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki. The special counsel is investigating various allegations against former first lady Kim Keon-hee. On the 8th, Mayor Oh was scheduled to undergo a face-to-face interrogation with political broker Myung Tae-kyun.
Mayor Oh arrived at the KT West Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, where the special counsel’s office is located, around 8:59 a.m. that day. He held up printed papers of articles stating that most of the polls provided by Mr. Myung were fabricated. He said, “Forensic results have revealed that even these (fabricated polls) were not regularly provided to our campaign.” Mayor Oh added, “I will clarify various facts today to ensure a fair investigation.”
Later, Mayor Oh did not respond to reporters’ questions—such as “Do you deny the allegations of poll payment?” and “What do you think about Mr. Myung’s claim that you met seven times before and after the by-election?”—and entered the building.
Mr. Myung, who arrived later, reached the special counsel’s office around 9:14 a.m. Mayor Oh is being investigated as a suspect, while Mr. Myung is a reference witness.
Investigation into Poll Survey Allegations
The special counsel is investigating allegations that Mayor Oh received 13 unpublished poll surveys from Mr. Myung ahead of the April 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election and had a businessman, Kim Han-jeong, known as his supporter, pay 33 million Korean won in return. Regarding this, Mayor Oh maintains that he was unaware Kim gave money to Mr. Myung and that he neither requested the polls from Mr. Myung nor received the results. In contrast, Mr. Myung claims he met Mayor Oh multiple times and that the mayor asked him to help win the election.
The two accuse each other of lying. During a National Assembly audit on October 23, Mr. Myung testified, “Mayor Oh cried, saying, ‘Please help me win the Seoul mayoral election,’ and promised to buy me an apartment” as payment for the polls. Mayor Oh, however, denied the allegations, calling Mr. Myung “someone highly skilled at lying.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The legal proceedings are expected to continue as both parties present their arguments. Mayor Oh has been adamant in his denial of any wrongdoing, emphasizing that he was not aware of the financial transactions involving Mr. Myung. On the other hand, Mr. Myung’s testimony suggests a more direct involvement in the exchange of poll surveys and monetary compensation.
This case highlights the complexities of political campaigns and the potential for misuse of resources. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the evidence will be interpreted and what conclusions will be drawn regarding the allegations against Mayor Oh.
The situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public office. As the special prosecutor continues to gather information, the public awaits further developments that could impact the political landscape in Seoul.
Key Points in the Case
- Mayor Oh Se-hoon faces allegations of receiving fabricated poll surveys and paying for them.
- The special counsel is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
- Mr. Myung claims he met Mayor Oh multiple times and that the mayor sought his assistance.
- Mayor Oh denies all allegations, maintaining he was unaware of the financial transactions.
- The case highlights the need for transparency in political campaigns and the potential for misuse of resources.
As the investigation progresses, the focus will remain on uncovering the truth behind the allegations and ensuring that justice is served. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the political careers of those involved and the integrity of the electoral process.