Lee Jong-gu, Gangnam-gap Withdrawal from Candidacy: "I Will Run in a Tough District in the Capital Area"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 6th, Lee Jong-gu, a three-term lawmaker of the Liberty Korea Party, announced that he would leave the Gangnam-gap district and run in a difficult constituency in the metropolitan area.

On the same day, Lee held a press conference at the National Assembly Press Hall and said, "In the upcoming 21st general election, I will not run in my district, Gangnam-gap, and will run in a difficult constituency where the party's influence is weak."

He stated, "To protect liberal democracy, how should we fight? What should we do for the innovation and unity of conservatism? What choices should I make for this? I have spent countless sleepless nights over the past few months pondering these questions," and declared that he would sacrifice for the party by running in a difficult constituency.

Lee said, "Personally, I feel it is unfair. But I am willing to let go for the sake of sacrifice and try once. Having served three terms, I decided to accept the suggestion to try elsewhere."

He emphasized to the residents of Gangnam-gu, "I am not leaving your side. I will fight on the front lines in a difficult constituency against the tyranny of the Moon Jae-in administration, which is heading toward socialist dictatorship, on behalf of the residents of Gangnam-gu. And I will definitely win."

Regarding the difficult constituencies he is considering, he said, "I am considering three areas in the metropolitan area," adding, "They will be quite challenging constituencies." He emphasized that these are not the three Gangnam districts of Gangnam-eul, Songpa-eul, and Byeong, currently held by Democratic Party lawmakers.

Regarding communication with the party, he explained, "Before the announcement, I spoke with Representative Hwang Kyo-ahn and indirectly conveyed my intentions to the nomination committee a few days ago," adding, "(The choice of constituency) is related to the general election strategy, so I think I need to coordinate and exchange opinions with the nomination committee. No concrete discussions have taken place yet."

Kim expressed that an economic expert should come to Gangnam-gap. He said, "It is not my decision, but considering the symbolism of Gangnam-gap, the heart of conservatism, and that quite a few leader-level people have continued to serve, I hope an economic expert will come," adding, "The biggest issues in Gangnam-gu currently are tax bombs and real estate reconstruction, so from that perspective, I hope an economic expert will come."

Regarding leader-level figures such as former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Tae-ho and former party leader Hong Joon-pyo settling on running in their hometowns, he said, "They have their own philosophies and are pioneering their own paths, so I do not want to comment on their moves. The same goes for Representative Hwang's choice of constituency," adding, "However, since the public is watching, I believe everyone has their own thoughts."

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