Set within the high-stakes and ruthless arena of South Korean politics, 'The Mayor' follows Byun Jong-gu, the ambitious and cunning incumbent mayor of Seoul who is vying for an unprecedented third consecutive term in office. To secure his political survival and ambitions for the presidency, Byun relies on political maneuvering, media manipulation, and a willingness to bury damaging scandals. As the election campaign intensifies, Byun goes head-to-head with a fierce rival candidate, Yang Jin-joo, and navigates a treacherous landscape of betrayals, media conspiracies, and ethical compromises. Caught in the crossfire is Shim Hyuk-su, an ambitious campaign strategist whose loyalty is constantly tested by the dark realities of political campaigning. The film provides a cynical, gripping look at the lengths to which politicians will go to attain and preserve ultimate power.