Song Young-gil, "Accepted 'Candidacy Request' Amid Concerns... Will Devote to Winning Local Elections" (Comprehensive)

Seoul Mayor Draft: Dilemma Between 'Bitter Cup' and 'Responsibility'
On the 1st, Address Changed to Seoul "To Broaden Choices for Party and Supporters"
"I Will Devote Myself Regardless of Position or Duty"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Song Young-gil, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, hinted at his candidacy for the Seoul mayoral election in the June 1 local elections on the 1st. Although he had been contemplating the 'Seoul mayor draft theory' surrounding him, he moved his residence to Seoul on this day and stated, "I will devote myself as a party member without regard to position or duty solely for the victory in the local elections."

On the same day, Song posted on Facebook, "I have moved my address to Songpa-gu, Seoul," adding, "Now it will be a time for the party, party members, and supporters to judge who can win in Seoul."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Song said, "There are many excellent people in our party. I will also faithfully follow the party's decisions with them," and added, "There is no nomination or strategic candidacy without objective grounds in my mind."

Although he will declare his candidacy in response to the party's request, it is interpreted that he intends to run through an intra-party primary rather than a 'draft' style strategic nomination raised by some quarters.

Song emphasized the necessity of his candidacy, saying, "This is not a matter of my personal political career. It is about soothing the pain of party members and supporters over the presidential election defeat and how to field a competitive candidate to win."

He said, "During this period of awareness and reflection, I heard Chairman Yoon Ho-jung of the Emergency Committee say, 'If the party needs me, be ready to run anytime,'" and emphasized, "I will devote myself to winning the local elections."

Although a mood to endorse Song as the Seoul mayor was created mainly by pro-Lee Jae-myung faction lawmakers, a considerable number of Seoul-area lawmakers expressed opposition, putting Song in a position where he could neither refuse to take the 'poisoned chalice' himself nor ignore requests to take full responsibility.

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, holds an emergency press conference at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 25th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the same day, a representative from Song's side said in a phone call, "Song Young-gil is deeply considering the request to play a role for the sake of the party first and personal matters later. However, he does not think it is the right time to announce his candidacy for Seoul mayor immediately," drawing a line on the possibility of a Seoul mayoral candidacy declaration that day. It was explained that with divided opinions within the party on the 'Song Young-gil draft theory,' the final decision must be made by the party.

Accordingly, it was expected that he would post a statement mentioning his 'consideration' of the draft theory rather than confirming whether he would run for Seoul mayor. However, by saying, "I am hearing strong requests from many people to run for Seoul mayor," he effectively declared his candidacy.

Song is known to have taken Chairman Yoon's remarks at the previous day's party meeting seriously, where Yoon said, "Party leaders have an obligation to accept their duties with a spirit of putting the party first and personal matters later. Even if it becomes a poisoned chalice, follow the orders of the party and the people." On the same day, Chairman Yoon also said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in the morning, "The best political innovation is self-sacrifice and dedication," adding, "No Democratic Party leader is exempt from stepping forward wherever the party needs them. It is the spirit of the Democratic Party to not hesitate to take the poisoned chalice for the party and the people."

On the same day, Song moved his residence to Songpa-gu, Seoul, where his son lives. According to the Public Official Election Act, to qualify as a candidate for a local government head, one must move their residence to the relevant area by the 2nd, 60 days before the election day. Song's side explained, "This is to prepare in case the party calls upon him."

Lawmakers demanding Song's candidacy for Seoul mayor, which is expected to be a tough race, see it as a 'poisoned chalice' for him but voice their support as a 'sacrifice' for the party.

A lawmaker endorsing Song emphasized, "This candidacy is to take full responsibility for the presidential election defeat and to devote himself to the party." Moreover, Seoul city and district council members have directly approached or called Song to request his candidacy for Seoul mayor. A representative from Song's side said, "Song recently visiting temples is not to rest after the presidential election. He is trying to regain the support of the 10 million voters who turned away due to Representative Jeong Cheong-rae's gaffe and is working hard ahead of the local elections," adding, "It is disappointing to see it as if he is running out of personal ambition in what will be a tough fight for Seoul mayor."

With Song declaring that he will not accept a strategic nomination, an intra-party primary is expected for the Seoul mayoral race. Currently mentioned Democratic Party candidates for Seoul mayor include Lee Nak-yeon, Chung Sye-kyun, Park Ju-min, Lim Jong-seok, Woo Sang-ho, Park Young-sun, and Park Yong-jin.

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