"Only Focus on Gunsan Citizens" 'Review Pending' Kim Eui-gyeom Expresses Intention to Run

by Heo Midam

Published 29 Jan.2020 09:55(KST)

Verification Committee to Re-discuss Kim Ui-gyeom's Eligibility

Former Blue House Spokesperson Kim Eui-kyeom. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom, who received a "continued review" decision in the Democratic Party's preliminary candidate eligibility screening for the April 15 general election, reiterated his intention to run on the 28th, saying, "I will definitely overcome this."

On the same day, Kim posted on his Facebook, "The difficult and exhausting time has been extended," adding, "I will steadily move forward, focusing only on the citizens of Gunsan."

The Democratic Party's Public Office Candidate Verification Committee (Verification Committee) conducted a review of former spokesperson Kim, who was embroiled in real estate speculation allegations, but once again postponed the decision.

Photo by Kim Ui-gyeom, former Blue House spokesperson, Facebook capture

Jin Seong-jun, a secretary member of the Verification Committee and former lawmaker, explained, "Additional matters to be confirmed arose again today, so the on-site investigation subcommittee will investigate this, report at the next meeting, and based on the results, further discussion will take place."

Kim, who was the second spokesperson of the Moon Jae-in administration, resigned after it was revealed in March last year through the Government Ethics Committee's '2019 Public Official Regular Property Change Report' that he had purchased a complex building located in Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, in July 2018 for 2.57 billion KRW, sparking speculation allegations.

Subsequently, Kim announced via Facebook at the end of last year that he would donate all the proceeds from the sale of the building, and shortly after declared his candidacy for the Gunsan general election.