Amid Backlash from 'Mulgari Gongcheon', United Party Launches Campaign Committee Late

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] The aftereffects of the Future United Party's 'wholesale candidate replacement' are becoming apparent. Hong Joon-pyo, a former leader of the Liberty Korea Party and a presidential candidate-level figure, has been raising his voice daily on Facebook, hinting at running as an independent candidate. Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Tae-ho and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Ju-young have also suggested independent runs. With less than 40 days remaining until the general election, the United Party is rushing to launch its election campaign headquarters amid candidate nomination controversies.

On the 9th, former leader Hong stated on Facebook, "The thug-like candidate nominations carried out in collaboration between Hwang Kyo-ahn's faction and Chairman Kim Hyung-o are evident not only in my case but also in other nominations," adding, "The delusion that anti-Moon sentiment alone will guarantee votes despite thug-like nominations such as nominating illegitimate sons, adopted daughters, cronies, and eliminating political rivals must stop."

He expressed dissatisfaction over being cut off (excluded from nomination) in the recent candidate selection and pointed out that there was 'favoritism' during the nomination process. For example, Hwang Bo-seung-hee, a former Busan city council member and candidate in the Busan Jung-Yeongdo district primary, and Kim Hong, former Macquarie Investment Trust CEO who received a strategic nomination in Seoul Gangnam-eul, are representative 'Kim Hyung-o kids,' sparking allegations of favoritism.

Hong predicted, "(Chairman Hwang and Chairman Kim) will be judged in reverse," and said, "I will not take the easy path. Even if the road is rough, I will take the path that corrects things," signaling an independent course. He is also scheduled to hold a press conference at his campaign office in Yangsan-e, Gyeongnam, in the afternoon, where he is expected to announce his intention to return to his hometown and run as an independent candidate.

Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim, who was cut off in the nomination, also expressed his intention to run as an independent on the 8th via Facebook, saying, "I am temporarily leaving my home, which I have never left before. I will definitely return alive." Deputy Speaker Lee also said, "I am baffled by such nominations," and added, "I will fight against this unjust nomination with the spirit of Masan, the sacred place of democracy." Representatives Min Kyung-wook and Kwak Dae-hoon have filed appeals against the nomination results. As the Public Official Election Commission proceeds with a large-scale candidate replacement as announced, senior and incumbent members who oppose it are causing disturbances.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prospective candidates who oppose strategic nominations are also voicing their concerns. Former Suseong District Mayor Lee Jin-hoon, who was eliminated in the Suseong District Gap nomination due to Representative Joo Ho-young's strategic nomination, filed an appeal and hinted at the possibility of running as an independent, saying, "If my legitimate claim is not accepted, I will have no choice but to make a serious decision." Former Daegu Deputy Mayor Lee Sang-gil of Buk District Gap and former Gyeongbuk Deputy Governor Kim Hyun-ki of Goryeong-Seongju-Chilgok have also filed appeals.

Despite the nomination controversies, the United Party is hurrying to launch its election campaign headquarters. Initially, the plan was to launch the campaign committee with the Supreme Council's approval on the 2nd, but the formation was delayed due to prolonged deliberations over the appointment of the campaign committee chairman. The launch is already about 20 days behind the Democratic Party, which launched its campaign headquarters on the 20th of last month. The plan is to complete the formation of the campaign headquarters by the middle of this week at the latest.

Former Democratic Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in is a strong candidate for the campaign committee chairman position. He is a figure symbolizing reform and innovation and has led election victories regardless of party lines. Representative Yoo Seung-min, who played a key role in conservative unification, is also mentioned. On the 9th, after the Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Party Leader Hwang Kyo-ahn told reporters, "I am meeting and discussing with several good people," adding, "We are having positive discussions with a few people, but it is not appropriate to comment on any specific individual," and refrained from further remarks.

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