Democratic Party Busan Chair: "Let's Not Nominate Mayoral Candidates for Seoul and Busan... We Must Die to Live"

Jeon Jae-su, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Busan City Party Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea expressed the position that the party should not field a candidate for the Busan mayoral by-election scheduled for April next year. He also advocated for not nominating a candidate in the Seoul mayoral election, citing the need to show remorse and take responsibility for mistakes.

Jeon Jae-su, the Busan City Party Chairman and Senior Deputy Floor Leader, appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" on the 17th and said, "Despite the political circles being at fault, they have irresponsibly fielded candidates and asked for votes," adding, "We need to break this vicious cycle at least once." He explained that if the party responsible for causing the by-election does not field a candidate, this could become an established practice going forward.

He also gave practical reasons. Jeon said, "Even if you win the election, the term is only guaranteed for eight months. After receiving work reports and understanding the tasks, that's it," emphasizing, "In reality, there is nothing that can be done. Therefore, from both a moral and practical standpoint, it is right to reflect sincerely this time and not field a candidate." He also mentioned, "Let's die decisively this time. Only by dying decisively can we be reborn."

He stated that the same principle should apply to the Seoul mayoral by-election. This contrasts with former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, who declared his candidacy for party leader and said, "If party members want, we should nominate candidates for both Seoul and Busan mayoral elections."

Jeon said, "By the end of August, new leadership will take over the party, and active discussions on this issue will take place within the party," adding, "I will continue to advocate this position, but if the discussion concludes with the decision to field candidates, I will work hard for the election of our candidates."

The stance on nominating candidates for the by-elections could become a variable in the party convention. Regarding this, Jeon said, "There seems to be some difference in position between candidates Lee Nak-yeon and Kim Boo-kyum on whether to field candidates or not. It could be one of the cards party members can choose from."

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