[Comprehensive] Keum Taeseop Hints at Running for Seoul Mayor...Will the 'Civic Candidate' Become Reality?

'Civic Candidate Theory' Gains Traction in Opposition Circles
Keum Tae-seop's Potential Candidacy Could Accelerate Momentum
But Major Hurdles Remain for Actual Implementation
People Power Party Leadership Dismisses Civic Candidate Idea as "Premature"

Former lawmaker Geum Taeseop, who left the Democratic Party, is giving a lecture at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 18th at the People Power Party's freshman lawmakers' meeting "Myeongbulheojeon." / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy, reporter Lim Joohyeong] Former lawmaker Keum Tae-seop, who recently left the Democratic Party, hinted at the possibility of running in the Seoul mayoral by-election scheduled for April next year, stating, "I am deeply considering it with a sense of responsibility." There is growing anticipation that Keum, who was known as a "maverick" during the 20th National Assembly for acting according to his convictions rather than party lines, could emerge as a civic candidate leading a broad opposition coalition.

On the morning of the 18th, at the National Assembly Members' Office Building during the People Power Party's freshman lawmakers' study group "Myeongbulheojeon Bosuda," Keum said, "I am deeply reflecting on the significance of the Seoul mayoral position and the responsibilities it entails. If there is a role I must take on, I will do so."

He added, "In fact, the Seoul mayoral election is usually about selecting an administrator. However, next year's election will have a one-year term and will be the most political election. I do not believe that the current chaos and suffering experienced by citizens, including the real estate issue, are due to a lack of administrative ability or experience."

However, Keum dismissed the possibility of joining the People Power Party, saying, "I do not think joining the People Power Party would be helpful." He continued, "The opposition should set aside differences and cooperate by finding the greatest common ground. Of course, I am willing to cooperate. If the People Power Party proposes something or asks me to make concessions, I am willing to do so."

Joo Hoyoung, Floor Leader of the People Power Party / Photo by Yonhap News

Keum's remarks are interpreted as being mindful of the "civic candidate for a broad opposition coalition" theory that has been discussed in some opposition circles. The civic candidate theory suggests including a candidate who can represent the broader opposition, not just the established opposition parties such as the People Power Party, in the primary to enhance the competitiveness of the candidate.

Previously, Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, said in a radio interview on the 4th regarding next year's by-election, "I believe the likelihood of the opposition uniting towards the end of the election is very high. As the proportion of responsible party members increases, there may be a gap with the preferences of Seoul citizens, so I think it would be best for the party's candidate to be as close to a civic candidate as possible."

Jang Je-won, a candidate from the same party, wrote on his Facebook page, "If we (the People Power Party) cannot win under our own name, we must win even under the name of a civic candidate," and emphasized, "Anyone who has that crucial 2% needed to win should approach this with the mindset of dedicating our 49%."

In particular, Keum is known as a "maverick" lawmaker who has carried out his legislative activities without regard for the Democratic Party's main policies, such as those related to former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

In December last year, he was disciplined for abstaining from voting on the CIO bill, contrary to the party line, and later submitted his resignation from the party, stating, "The Democratic Party has changed so much that its old culture is no longer recognizable." This has fueled expectations that Keum could lead a so-called "big tent" opposition coalition encompassing not only conservatives but also moderates and progressives.

Kim Jongin, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party / Photo by Yonhap News

However, it appears that actually forming a broad opposition coalition will face significant challenges. The leadership of the People Power Party, the main opposition party, has shown a lukewarm response to the civic candidate theory.

Kim Jong-in, chairman of the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee, dismissed calls for a "civic candidate" from some within the party as "premature" when speaking to reporters after an Emergency Response Committee meeting on the 5th.

Kim Geun-sik, professor at Kyungnam University and head of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district chapter in Seoul, wrote on Facebook that day, "It is irresponsible to give up our own banner as if surrendering to an outsider, simply because we are mired in a sense of defeat. Changing the banner just because the People Power Party is unpopular will not work, and we must not give up our own banner by handing it over to an outsider."

He continued, "While it is necessary to consider external variables such as Ahn Cheol-soo and Keum Tae-seop, the People Power Party must first successfully hold a primary to select a candidate who can attract the interest and enthusiasm of citizens."

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