Kim Jong-cheol, Leader of the Justice Party, "No Intention to Unite"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 20th, at the '2021 New Year Press Conference,' Kim Jong-cheol, leader of the Justice Party, drew a clear line regarding unification talks with opposition parties, stating, "We have no intention of unifying with the Open Democratic Party or the People Power Party."

Kim said, "Because the Justice Party and the two major parties have different solutions," adding, "We will have our candidate face the judgment of the citizens in the April by-elections."

Currently, Kwon Soo-jung, a Seoul city council member, is the Justice Party's preliminary candidate for Seoul mayor, while the candidate for Busan mayor has not yet been decided. However, Kim Young-jin, former chairman of the Busan branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, has expressed his intention to register as a candidate, and with the candidate registration deadline approaching on the 22nd, the Justice Party's lineup for the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections is expected to be finalized.

Kim said, "Regardless of who the candidate is, the Justice Party will compete with a long-term perspective, focusing on 'policy' and 'boldness.'"

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