Jeong Cheong-rae: "Kim Jong-in's Mention of Baek Jong-won? His Intention Is to Position Himself as a Presidential Candidate"

Jeong Lawmaker: "Baek Jong-won is better than Kim Jong-in... He intends to make himself a presidential candidate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, sparked controversy by mentioning Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, as a potential presidential candidate. In response, Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "In my opinion, Baek Jong-won is better than Kim Jong-in."

On the 23rd, Jeong posted on his Facebook, saying, "How about Baek Jong-won? Eh, how could it be Baek Jong-won? Hmm, then Kim Jong-in! I think that's the intention," expressing this view.

Jeong Cheong-rae, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yonhap News

On the 21st, Jeong also analyzed, "Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, is trying to become the party's presidential candidate himself."

Jeong expressed his opinion, saying, "Since Joo Ho-young, the floor leader, has endorsed him, it looks good to comfort him personally and urge him to return, which would strengthen his position within the party. Joo Ho-young is not yet at the presidential candidate level, so it is better to nurture him appropriately within the range that does not threaten himself."

Earlier, JoongAng Ilbo reported that during a luncheon meeting with first-term proportional representatives on the 19th, Chairman Kim responded to the question, "Who do you think should be the party's next presidential candidate?" by mentioning, "How about someone like CEO Baek Jong-won?"

Following the report, CEO Baek reportedly told Yonhap News in a phone interview, "I have never even dreamed of running for president, and I find my current work the most enjoyable and fulfilling," firmly declining the suggestion.

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