Simsangjeong "Regret Im Hansol's Deviation... Will Not Nominate a By-election Candidate for Seodaemun-gu District Council"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 19th, Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, expressed regret over the resignation of former Vice Chair Im Han-sol, stating, "Im's deviation is very regrettable," and announced, "We will not field a candidate in the by-election for the Seodaemun-gu district council."

Leader Sim made these remarks during her opening statement at the 4th National Committee meeting held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the same day.

She clearly expressed her intention to expel former Vice Chair Im, saying, "As a responsible party, we took swift and strong measures this time to confirm that there are no exceptions to strengthening the tradition of being a model party."

She continued, "The primary qualification for all elected officials is infinite dedication and responsibility to the people, which Justice Party candidates must deeply engrain," emphasizing, "Our party members, especially public office candidates, will take this as an opportunity to firmly establish the principles of putting the people before oneself and the party before oneself."

Leader Sim stated, "Im's disgrace to the voters is, broadly speaking, the responsibility of the Justice Party," and added, "As party leader, I sincerely apologize to the residents of Seodaemun-gu and the public."

Former Vice Chair Im, who was a Seodaemun-gu council member, drew public attention by tracking the actions of Jeon Du-hwan, including 'golf rounds' and a 'celebratory luncheon for the December 12 incident.' Having resigned from his council position to run in the general election, he requested the party's executive committee's approval as required by party regulations for current elected officials seeking to run for another public office, but his request was denied.

Ultimately, on the morning of the 17th, he declared his resignation from the party, stating, "I earnestly requested several times to Leader Sim Sang-jung for the executive committee's approval to run in the general election, but in the end, I did not receive consent."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.