Kim Jong-in Virtually Rejects 'Limited-Term Emergency Committee'... Shim Jae-cheol Visits His Residence

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Former Chief Election Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in effectively declined the emergency committee chairman position with a four-month term on the 28th. Acting Party Leader Shim Jae-chul visited Kim's residence late in the evening to persuade him in person.

After the nationwide committee meeting in the afternoon approved the appointment of 'Kim Jong-in as Emergency Committee Chairman,' Kim met with reporters in front of his office in Gwanghwamun and expressed a negative stance on accepting the position.

When asked about his position on the nationwide committee's decision, Kim said, "I don't even know how the decision was made. I haven't heard anything until now," avoiding a direct answer. He added, "I am a natural person. There probably isn't anything to hear from me."

However, he expressed displeasure through former lawmaker Choi Myung-gil regarding the failure to amend the party constitution's supplementary provisions, which require a party convention by the end of August due to the standing nationwide committee not being held because of a lack of quorum. Choi explained that Kim does not consider this decision as a nomination for emergency committee chairman. Choi further clarified that this implies Kim will not take on the emergency committee with a term set until the end of August.

Nonetheless, since Acting Leader Shim, who has been promoting the Kim Jong-in emergency committee, stated he would personally persuade Kim, some expect the final decision to be awaited. Around 8:50 PM that night, Acting Leader Shim and Policy Committee Chairman Kim Jae-won were having a conversation with Kim at his residence.

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