Shin Dongkeun: "A Strategist with Perseverance?Will Be Key to By-Election Victories" Runs for Supreme Council

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, Reporter Won Dara] Shin Dongkeun, a two-term lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Incheon Seo-gu-eul), has announced his candidacy for the party's Supreme Council election. In his declaration, Shin emphasized, "With the perseverance of four failures and five attempts, I will become a key contributor to victories in the by-elections, presidential election, and local elections." Regarding the party's current issue of whether to field candidates in the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections, Shin stated, "A party that gives up on an election is not a true political party."

On the afternoon of July 22, Shin held a press conference at the National Assembly to announce his candidacy. He said, "The Democratic Party is facing a complex crisis arising from both internal and external factors," and added, "We must form an extraordinary leadership to overcome this crisis."

He continued, "The three core tasks for a truly just nation, as I see it, are 'greater human rights, better democracy, and higher equality.' There is no magic solution for overcoming a crisis. The only way is to do what needs to be done, and to do it right," he emphasized.

He also stated, "No matter what anyone says, the Moon Jae-in administration must remain a progressive and reformist government. We must achieve prosecutorial reform, including the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), as well as judicial reform. Media reform is also necessary," adding, "I, Shin Dongkeun, aim to serve as the party's left midfielder on the Supreme Council."

He further stressed, "We must actively pursue policies to alleviate inequality and social polarization. As a left midfielder, I will attack relentlessly when on the offensive and defend persistently when necessary," and added, "I will be a bulwark for economic democratization and a fair economy."

He continued, "When people think of Shin Dongkeun, they think of a progressive and reform-minded politician, a strategic thinker, and someone with the perseverance of four failures and five attempts," adding, "If I become a Supreme Council member, I will fully demonstrate my strategic capabilities and perseverance. I will become a key contributor to victories in next year's by-elections, as well as the following year's presidential and local elections."

When asked, "What role do you think you can play as a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, which is facing important elections?" Shin replied, "Although I am a two-term lawmaker, I have run in four elections and lost, and won twice, for a total of six elections. I have strengths in understanding the flow of elections and in strategically presenting visions for internal party issues."

In response to the question, "Do you think the Democratic Party should field candidates in the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections?" he emphasized, "I believe that giving up on an election is not what a political party should do." He added, "Running in an election is a matter of the will of party members and a political decision to be made by the top leadership. There were circumstances when the party constitution and regulations were established in the past, but in my judgment, that was an example of over-legislation."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's national convention will be held on August 29. In addition to Shin Dongkeun, candidates registered for the Supreme Council include lawmakers Noh Woongrae (four-term, Seoul Mapo-gap), Lee Wonwook (three-term, Gyeonggi Hwaseong-eul), Kim Jongmin (two-term, South Chungcheong Nonsan-Gyeryong-Geumsan), Lee Jaejung (two-term, Gyeonggi Anyang Dongan-eul), Han Byungdo (two-term, North Jeolla Iksan-eul), So Byunghoon (two-term, Gyeonggi Gwangju-gap), Yang Hyangja (first-term, Gwangju Seo-gu-eul), Yeom Taeyoung (Mayor of Suwon), and Jeong Gwangil (Head of the Ahn Junggeun Peace Foundation Youth Academy).

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