'Pro-Government Controversy' Kim Mi-gyun: "The Reason I Joined the United Tonghapdang... Because I Was Told I Could Act Like a Young Entrepreneur"

Kim Mi-gyun, CEO of Cizion

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Kim Mi-gyun, a candidate from the Future United Party who has been controversial for her 'pro-Ruling Party (친여)' political stance, explained her reason by saying, "I came to the United Party because I was told I could act like a young entrepreneur."

On the morning of the 13th, Kim met with reporters at the National Assembly main building and said, "I felt a strong determination when I saw that the most carefully reserved constituency seat (Gangnam-byeong) was to be given to a young female entrepreneur." She was nominated by the United Party’s nomination committee for Seoul Gangnam-byeong, but controversy arose after it was revealed that she had shown a pro-Ruling Party stance on social networking services (SNS) in the past. Born in 1986, she also leads a startup called 'Cizion' that provides anti-malicious comment services.

Kim explained, "Honestly, I should say I lacked a clear political direction. But because of SNS, I appeared to have a pro-Ruling Party stance." She added, "I thought it was cool that conservatives fight among themselves and move forward, and I have high expectations now that I have been nominated. I believe that a young female entrepreneur receiving the nomination shows that our society has great capabilities."

She said, "By breaking down the boundaries between online and offline, we can move toward the future. If given the opportunity, I hope to contribute to corporate innovation and development, proper gender awareness, and a better life. I trust the party and the nomination committee’s decision this time as well, and I ask for support so that the United Party can make the right decision."

Kim also posted on Facebook the day before, stating, "The basis for my decision after much deliberation was not me but the community I live with." She explained, "If I can be of help, I should step forward even a little, and if I have the capacity, I should be courageous." She continued, "In that process, the framework of left and right, progressive and conservative, was relatively unimportant. What mattered was corporate innovation, a developing economic system, and a better life for the people. Going forward, I will learn more and listen to others to create my own political direction."

However, criticism has arisen within the United Party regarding her nomination. On the same day, Representative Shin Bo-ra posted on her Facebook, "In September, when our party was angry about Minister Cho Kuk’s appointment and shouted for fairness and justice, a young person posted on Facebook expressing gratitude for the Chuseok gift sent by President Moon. That young person has now been nominated for the Future United Party’s Gangnam-byeong seat. Is this the spirit of our party’s nominations?"

Representative Shin raised her voice, saying, "Talented individuals verified by the party’s capabilities have fallen like autumn leaves, and now a young candidate whose political beliefs have not been verified is nominated for the Gangnam belt. It is surprising and disheartening. We are an anti-Moon front, not a United Party that embraces Moon supporters. The Gangnam-byeong nomination must be reconsidered."

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