Geum Tae-seop "Considering Seoul Mayoral Candidacy with a Sense of Responsibility" (Comprehensive)

"Need for Common-Sense Politics to Break Ruling Party's Arrogance"
"Multiplicative Solidarity, Not Anti-Moon Coalition"
Urging People Power Party to "Swallow Bitter Medicine"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, who left the Democratic Party of Korea, hinted at the possibility of running in next year's Seoul mayoral by-election on the 18th, saying, "I am deeply considering it with a sense of responsibility. If there is a role for me to play (in the election), I will do it." Amid voices within the People Power Party calling for former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min and former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon to run, Geum has emerged as a new variable in the opposition camp.

On the same day, at the People Power Party's freshmen lawmakers' study meeting called 'Myeongbulheojeon Bosuda' held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, Geum said, "It is necessary to break the ruling party's arrogance and restore politics based on common sense and rationality," adding, "The best scenario is for all opposing forces to unite, change themselves, make concessions, and move forward together."

Geum pointed out, "In fact, the Seoul mayoral election is usually an election to choose an administrator," but "next year's election will have a one-year term and will be the most political election. I do not think the current chaos, including the real estate issue causing suffering to the people, is due to lack of administrative ability or experience."

Regarding joining the People Power Party, Geum said, "Both those in the People Power Party and I need to make efforts to create alternatives, but I do not think joining the People Power Party right away would be helpful." However, he added, "The opposition parties should put aside their differences, find the greatest common denominator, and cooperate. I am certainly willing to cooperate. If the People Power Party proposes something or asks me to make concessions, I am willing to do so." This is interpreted as a statement keeping the door open for opposition unity in the Seoul mayoral candidate nomination, while drawing a line on joining the People Power Party.

Geum proposed a 'multiplicative alliance' rather than an 'anti-Moon (anti-Moon Jae-in) coalition' as an alternative. He said, "Ahead of next year's by-election or presidential election, creating an anti-Moon coalition by loosely mixing various figures and forces will never break the strong ruling party. Changing the party's name alone does not make a difference," adding, "Rather, such moves before the election can lead to power struggles and cause existing supporters to leave. If there is to be an alliance, it must be thoroughly discussed, and all forces must innovate themselves."

Geum advised the People Power Party with three points: ▲ They must swallow bitter medicine ▲ Expanding the base should be an opportunity for self-change ▲ Politics of integration wins.

Meanwhile, former People Power Party Secretary-General Kim Seon-dong announced, "I will declare my candidacy for next month's Seoul mayoral by-election on the 25th." Currently, candidates mentioned for the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral nomination include lawmakers Kwon Young-se, Park Jin, Yoon Hee-sook; former lawmakers Kim Yong-tae, Na Kyung-won, Oh Shin-hwan, Lee Hye-hoon; Seocho District Mayor Cho Eun-hee; and Yeouido Institute Director Ji Sang-wook.

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