[the300] – KIM Yong, the former Deputy Head of the Democratic Research Institute, who was excluded from the Democratic Party’s strategic nominations, held a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 28th. Kim stated, “I will take a backseat and serve the party faithfully.” Kim, considered a close aide to President Lee Jae-myung, commented on Jeong Cheong-rae, the Democratic Party leader’s decision not to seek re-election, saying, “That is up to the leader’s own judgment,” but personally thought it was “something worth considering.”
In an interview with YTN Radio’s ‘News Myeongdang’ hosted by Jang Seong-chul, Kim mentioned that many people have been discussing Jeong’s decision not to run due to various reasons such as the strategy void and the factors contributing to the recent local election losses.
He suggested that it would have been more effective if Jeong had also taken responsibility along with an apology, indicating that responsibility could mean the leader stepping down to make way for a new start. However, Kim noted that it seemed a bit late for such a move, given the party convention set for August, and pursuing this kind of accountability might be seen as merely a political struggle.
Regarding his own potential candidacy for a top party position, Kim expressed a positive attitude and a plan to decide swiftly, while consulting various opinions. He considered the party to be in a crisis following poor election results, noting that he has various roles to play outside the National Assembly.
Kim also discussed the absence of the Democratic Party leadership at the farewell event for the President’s overseas trip. He downplayed its significance, suggesting it was part of an effort to reduce customary protocols. He interpreted that the leadership’s absence could reflect a slight discord with the ruling party’s executive team in managing state affairs after the local election losses.
Kim remarked that it was unfathomable for the Democratic Party’s leader not to attend the President’s send-off, especially since he consistently supported the President during overseas visits over the past year. He emphasized the need for preemptive measures to prevent misunderstandings and baseless speculations.