Citizens gathered in front of the Handball Stadium at Olympic Park, Seoul. [SNS]

Regarding the shortage of ballots in the recent local elections, Oh Se-hoon, the elected official, heavily criticized the Election Commission and the government, using strong terms such as "infringement of the right to vote," "violation of the constitution," and "an election where procedural justice has collapsed." While these statements may be accurate in isolation, the question remains: what will Oh Se-hoon do?

This incident is a clear infringement of the right to vote and a significant event that shakes the foundation of democracy. However, Oh Se-hoon's statement yesterday, the 6th, lacks his direct action plan. Phrases like "The government should investigate," "The Election Commission should be reformed," "The National Assembly should conduct a special investigation," and "I will stand with the citizens" are all demands directed at others.

Oh Se-hoon is a direct party to this election. He is not a mere commentator or political pundit. He is the beneficiary of this election's results and the elected Mayor of Seoul. Therefore, he must demonstrate responsibility through action, not just words.

If he truly believes it was "an election where procedural justice has collapsed," he must first officially demand a re-election. If he truly believes it was an "infringement of the right to vote," he must question the legitimacy of proceeding with the vote count. If he truly believes that "every single vote is sacred," he must acknowledge that his own election cannot be an exception to this scrutiny.

Elections can have their results changed by even a single vote. Indeed, in the election for the Chungnam Provincial Council in Constituency 1 of Nonsan City, Chungnam Province, the outcome was decided by a single vote. In Songpa-gu, a Seoul Metropolitan Council proportional representation seat was overturned after uncounted ballots were finally opened.

Citizens who were unable to cast their vote are now shouting for a re-election at Olympic Park in Jamsil and across streets nationwide. While citizens are shouting for "new elections" and "guaranteed voting rights" all night, for how long will the same principled statements be repeated?

The public no longer wants political rhetoric like "We regret this" or "We will stand with the citizens." The public wants concrete action.

Oh Se-hoon must immediately and officially demand a re-election for Seoul. Furthermore, if a re-election is confirmed, he must acknowledge that his own election loses its legitimacy and clearly declare his intention to resign, asking for the citizens' decision again.

This is the minimum political responsibility owed to the citizens whose right to vote has been infringed. Democracy is not protected by words. It must be proven through action.

June 7, 2026

Oh Sang-jong, Korean National Defense Union