On June 2, the final stretch of the election is underway. As the election nears its end, the rhetoric of politicians often becomes more aggressive. Those who feel they are winning tend to press their opponents, while those who are anxious seek to rally their supporters. Voices grow louder, and emotions run high, which is why politics often loses its dignity as the election concludes.
However, just hours before voting, Oh Se-hoon’s message stood out. It was surprisingly humble and remarkably calm, brimming with confidence. He began by addressing the struggles of Seoul's citizens and the frustrations of the youth. He expressed, "Before assigning blame, I apologize," and even acknowledged the shortcomings of the opposition.
This prompted a reflection: When can a person truly be humble? Is it when they are losing everything? No, it is often when they feel they have the upper hand. When one is unshaken, there is no need to raise their voice or push their opponent; that is when a person's true character emerges.
The resonance of Oh Se-hoon’s message, written just hours before the election, lies in this. He did not use the language of a politician gripped by fear. He did not incite hatred or hurl insults at his opponents. Instead, he spoke of "the balance of South Korea," "the rule of law," and "the future of Seoul."
His words felt less like those of a politician and more like those of a seasoned administrator sharing his heart with the citizens one last time.
Oh Se-hoon has consistently chosen to confront crises head-on. He was once politically declared dead after a referendum on free school meals. Yet he made a comeback and returned to the center of Seoul's governance. Throughout this journey, he has continually pushed for grand urban visions, such as the Han River Renaissance, transportation, urban design, tourism, and urban competitiveness.
Recent controversial policies have followed a similar pattern. The Han River Bus, despite criticism, eventually made its debut before the citizens, and the Gwanghwamun Square has begun to establish itself as a new symbolic space for Seoul, enduring mockery and opposition. He has always responded to criticism with results.
Perhaps this is why his final message conveyed a sense of 'calm confidence' rather than desperation. It felt as if someone who had reached the summit after a long battle was looking down and saying, "The choice is now in the hands of the citizens. I am ready to work again."
This made his message even more striking. The moment a politician feels certain of victory is often the most dangerous. They can become arrogant, underestimate their opponents, and mistakenly believe they stand above the citizens. However, Oh Se-hoon’s message was different. He expressed even greater humility, stating that Seoul is "everything in my life," and we acknowledge that he has always lived this way. He also mentioned that the tears and sweat of each citizen are etched in his heart. In this part, we see not the words of a campaign strategist but the heartfelt sentiments of someone who has long loved the city of Seoul.
This is likely why his message does not come across as a mere election appeal. It reflects the composure and responsibility that only someone who has fought many significant battles can possess.
Perhaps this is the highest realm politics can achieve: the more one wins, the more humble they become, and in the final moments, they speak of the citizens first, not themselves. Just hours before voting, Oh Se-hoon’s message exemplified such 'dignity of great politicians.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.