Justice Party, Party Leader Sexual Harassment Case Leads to 'No Candidacy' in April By-Election

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] The Justice Party, which has been managing the aftermath of former leader Kim Jong-chul's sexual harassment incident and working on party reform, has ultimately decided not to field a candidate in the upcoming April 7 by-elections.

On the 3rd, the Justice Party held the 6th term, 5th National Committee meeting at 7 p.m. and announced its decision not to nominate candidates for the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections scheduled for April 7.

Kang Eun-mi, Emergency Response Committee Chair of the Justice Party, is putting on her glasses after finishing her speech at the Emergency Response Meeting held at the National Assembly on the 1st. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The National Committee, the Justice Party's highest decision-making body, convened for the second time since the sexual harassment allegations against former leader Kim were made public.

Chief Spokesperson Jeong Ho-jin explained the background of the decision, saying, "The sexual harassment incident involving former leader Kim caused great concern to the public. Ultimately, we judged that not nominating a candidate is the fundamental principle of responsible politics and a fulfillment of our public commitment to thoroughly reform the party as a political organization."

He continued, "We ask for your understanding of this decision as an expression of our infinite responsibility and determination for comprehensive innovation regarding this incident. We sincerely apologize for not meeting the expectations of the public and party members and promise once again to devote ourselves to party reform."

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