'Cutoff' Lee Ju-young "Cannot Accept"... Indicates Independent Candidacy

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Lee Ju-young, a five-term lawmaker representing Changwon Masan Shippo District who was cut off (excluded from nomination) in the United Future Party's nomination process, hinted on the 6th that he might run as an independent, saying "I absolutely cannot accept this."

On the afternoon of the same day, Lee posted on his Facebook with the title "I am baffled by such a nomination process," revealing his stance.

He expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "The nomination committee's decision to cut me off during the screening was unfair and unjust."

Lee claimed, "Since entering politics, I have devoted myself sincerely and fought fiercely as a frontline sniper warrior to overthrow the left-wing dictatorship that is leading the country to ruin. Within the party, I have always taken a humble stance to break factionalism and promote unity, sacrificing myself to lead solidarity."

He added, "(The cut-off) is an insult to the citizens of Masan who loved and supported me," and "I intend to fight against this unjust nomination with the spirit of Masan, the sacred place of democracy."

The United Future Party's nomination committee announced the results of the Busan-Gyeongnam (PK) nomination screening the day before, designating Changwon Masan Shippo District as a primary election area but excluding Lee from the primary candidates. In this district, Kim Soo-young, an adjunct professor at Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, and Choi Hyung-doo, former National Assembly spokesperson, will compete in the primary.

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