Seoul city officials breathe sigh of relief as Oh Se-hoon acquitted on appeal

A sense of relief spread inside Seoul City Hall after Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon was acquitted on appeal Friday in a political funds violation case linked to political broker Myung Tae-kyun.

Oh had been sentenced to a 10 million won ($7,550) fine at trial — a penalty that would have voided his election — but the appellate court overturned that verdict, lifting much of the legal burden he faced. Senior city officials said the ruling reduced uncertainty surrounding the administration of city affairs.

The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7, presided over by Chief Judge Gu Hoe-geun, overturned the lower court's ruling Friday and acquitted Oh on charges of violating political funds law.

Oh had been indicted on charges of receiving polling data from Myung ahead of the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election and having a donor cover the associated costs on his behalf.

The court said it found Myung's testimony difficult to credit and that the remaining evidence was insufficient to establish the charges. "Ultimately, the portion found guilty by the first-instance court cannot stand as it is," the court said.

Relief was palpable inside Seoul City Hall immediately after the ruling. Had the appellate court also returned a guilty verdict, it could have placed a significant burden on Oh's political standing and his ability to run the city.

"There was some worry when they said it would be broadcast live, but it is a tremendous relief that Mayor Oh was ultimately acquitted," a senior city official said.

A close aide to Oh also welcomed the decision. "Justice has prevailed. The court made a wise judgment, and we are very pleased," the aide said.

The acquittal removes a major political liability for Oh in this case. However, the legal situation could still change depending on whether prosecutors pursue a further appeal.