United Future Party nominates Yu Gyeong-jun for Gangnam-byeong... Lee Seok-yeon "Very regretful about Choi Hong"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] On the 16th, the Future United Party's Nomination Management Committee gave a priority recommendation (strategic nomination) to Professor Yoo Kyung-jun of Korea University of Technology and Education, who previously served as the head of the National Statistical Office, for Seoul Gangnam-byeong.

Lee Seok-yeon, acting chairman of the party's nomination committee, announced this decision after holding a meeting at the National Assembly that afternoon.

Gangnam-byeong was originally a constituency where the party had strategically nominated Kim Mi-gyun, CEO of Sigion, but later withdrew. Professor Yoo is the younger brother of Representative Yoo Ki-joon, who declared he would not run. Acting Chairman Lee described Professor Yoo as "an economic expert who sharply pointed out the fallacies of income-led growth and keenly highlighted issues with irregular employment statistics," adding that "he also possesses strong fighting spirit."

In Gyeonggi Uiwang-Gwacheon, Lee Yoon-jung, former co-representative of the Yeouido Research Institute Future Forum, was strategically nominated.

Additionally, through primaries, the following candidates were nominated: ▲ Seoul Seodaemun-eul Lee Hye-hoon, former lawmaker ▲ Seoul Seongbuk-gap Han Sang-hak, director of Daehan Dental Clinic ▲ Seoul Mapo-eul Kim Seong-dong, former lawmaker ▲ Seoul Gangseo-byeong Kim Cheol-geun, professor of political science and diplomacy at Dongguk University ▲ Seoul Dongjak-gap Jang Jin-young, lawyer ▲ Seoul Seocho-eul Park Sung-joong, lawmaker ▲ Daejeon Seo-gu-eul Yang Hong-gyu, former party district chairman ▲ Gyeonggi Uijeongbu-gap Kang Se-chang, former candidate ▲ Gyeonggi Bucheon-si-eul Seo Young-seok, chairman of the Korea Youth Future Federation ▲ Gyeonggi Bucheon-si-byeong Cha Myung-jin, former lawmaker ▲ Gyeonggi Namyangju-si-gap Shim Jang-soo, former party district chairman ▲ Gyeonggi Hwaseong-si-gap Choi Young-geun, former Hwaseong mayor ▲ Gyeonggi Hwaseong-si-byeong Seok Ho-hyun, former Hwaseong mayoral candidate in local elections ▲ Gyeonggi Yangju-si Ahn Ki-young, former representative of the Grand National Party in the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly ▲ Gyeonggi Pocheon-si Gapyeong-gun Choi Chun-sik, vice chairman of the Gyeonggi Provincial Party ▲ Chungnam Cheonan-si-eul Lee Jeong-man, former head of the Cheonan branch of the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office.

Runoffs will be held in Daejeon Yuseong (Kim So-yeon, Shin Yong-hyun) and Gyeonggi Yongin-si-byeong (Kwon Mina, Lee Sang-il).

Regarding the cancellation of the nomination of Choi Hong, former CEO of Macquarie Investment Asset Management, whose nomination for Seoul Gangnam-eul had been confirmed by the Future United Party's Supreme Council, Acting Chairman Lee expressed regret.

He said, "The nomination committee accepts the Supreme Council's decision for now, but it is unexpected that there are differing views on a candidate whom the nomination committee thoroughly discussed and decided upon. We express deep regret."

Regarding the reason for the withdrawal of Choi's nomination being due to sanctions by the Financial Supervisory Service, he explained, "It depends on the perspective of legal interpretation. We considered that it was not a disqualification or a significant defect, but the Supreme Council viewed that clause as significant. However, I believe that in the future, the Supreme Council will not apply that clause to make such decisions again."

On confirming the nomination of former lawmaker Cha, who was involved in a controversy over inappropriate remarks about the Sewol ferry disaster, for Bucheon-si-byeong, he said, "Since the primary was conducted through a national primary system, we have no choice but to accept the result at this point," adding, "The nomination committee also made the decision after much discussion, with the majority opinion favoring a primary."

Regarding the nomination committee's strict stance on inappropriate remarks but giving former lawmaker Cha a chance to participate in the primary and accepting Representative Min Kyung-wook's request for reconsideration, he said, "There may be some inconsistencies with the reform nomination framework and judgment in one or two cases, and personally, I find it very regrettable. However, the overall nomination policy has not been shaken," emphasizing, "I want to say that the party must accept and respect the reform nomination policy as it is to win over the moderate voters," adding, "Nothing can be perfect, and we chose the next best option."

The nomination committee plans to announce the results of primaries in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions on the 17th. The goal is to complete the nomination process by the 24th.

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