Jung Cheong-rae: “Elections are about winning… The public’s perspective and victory are key”
Cho Seung-rae: “There are opinions that the negative impact on other elections is greater”
Ansan and Pyeongtaek burdened by nominating candidates with ongoing legal issues
Pro-Myeong faction: “His honor must be restored”… Pressuring leadership for support and nomination
As Kim Yong, the former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute, expressed his intention to run in the June 3 by-elections, the leadership of the Democratic Party is in deep contemplation. The pro-Lee Jae-myung faction within the party is continuously urging support and strategic nomination for Kim, while the party leadership remains cautious about the potential electoral impact.
On the 22nd, Democratic Party Secretary-General Cho Seung-rae mentioned in a radio interview that while evaluating the strategic nomination of Kim, the negative aspects seem to outweigh the positive ones. He stated that even if a candidate has the potential to win a particular constituency, if their nomination negatively impacts other elections, it is not a viable option. The comprehensive assessment is currently ongoing.
Party leader Jung Cheong-rae also emphasized ‘public perception’ and ‘local election victory’ as principles for strategic nominations, stating that their aim is to win elections. He reiterated that actions that benefit elections will be taken, and those that do not will be avoided— a stance he has consistently maintained since the local elections.
Jung’s remarks were interpreted by some as potentially targeting Kim, who has been sentenced to five years in an appeal trial for receiving illegal political funds and bribes from private developers involved in the Daejang-dong project. He is currently out on bail, awaiting a further appeal. There is concern within the Democratic Party that Kim’s candidacy might negatively affect other elections. The ruling People Power Party has already continued its offensive against Kim, with floor leader Song Eon-seok criticizing the decision to nominate someone likely to lose their position within a year.
In Ansan-gap, Yang Moon-suk, a former Democratic Party member, lost his position due to charges of fraudulent lending, and in Pyeongtaek-eul, Lee Byeong-jin, another former member, lost his seat due to election law violations. In such circumstances, nominating another candidate with legal issues presents a significant burden.
In response, Kim appeared on a YouTube broadcast, arguing that the Democratic Party would be denying itself if it ignored him, as he claims he was wrongfully accused by the prosecution. He suggests that his position as a victim of political prosecution should be emphasized as a strength in the elections.
Amid this situation, pro-Myeong individuals within the party are supporting Kim. Representative Jeon Hyun-hee posted on her social media that it was revealed through a parliamentary investigation that Kim was a tool in an investigation targeting Lee Jae-myung, calling for the party to restore his honor.
Kim Hyun, another Democratic Party representative, recalled being excluded from candidacy despite being acquitted in the past and insisted that the party should protect Kim Yong, who has prioritized the party’s success over personal interests.