Trial Date Fixed and Bi‑weekly Schedule Established The Seoul Central District Court set the first formal hearing for March 4, with subsequent sessions every two weeks, creating a predictable timetable for the case [1]. A preparatory session held earlier this week confirmed the schedule and listed the participants, including Mayor Oh, supporter Kim Han‑jung, and former Deputy Mayor Kang Cheol‑won [1]. The court’s decision aims to manage the procedural flow while the political calendar advances toward local elections [1].

Alleged 33 Million‑Won Proxy Payment to Opinion‑Poll Broker Prosecutors allege Oh arranged for Kim Han‑jung to transfer 33 million won (approximately US$22,400) to Myung Tae‑kyun for ten opinion polls conducted between January and February 2021 [1]. The payment is described as a proxy intended to conceal Oh’s direct involvement in commissioning the surveys [1]. Special counsel investigators used the transaction as primary evidence when indicting Oh on charges of using a proxy to fund the polls [1].

Key Witnesses Include Whistleblower and Self‑Proclaimed Broker Early trial sessions will question Kang Hye‑kyung, the whistleblower who first raised suspicion about the proxy payment, and Myung Tae‑kyun, who identifies himself as a power broker in the poll market [1]. Their testimonies are expected to clarify the purpose of the payment and the nature of the relationship between the political figures and the poll operator [1]. Both witnesses are slated to appear in the first two formal hearings, providing critical insight into the alleged scheme [1].

Political Timing Tied to June Local Elections Mayor Oh requested the court schedule the trial to minimize political fallout ahead of the June local elections, arguing that a predictable calendar would reduce disruption to his campaign [1]. The court’s bi‑weekly format aligns with Oh’s strategy to contain the case’s visibility during the crucial election period [1]. Observers note that the timing could influence voter perception as the trial proceeds concurrently with campaign activities [1].