Jeong Seong-ho "Opposition Nomination, Cannot Conclude Unsuitability Just Because Moon Government Existed"

Chairman Im Hyuk-baek of the Nomination Committee Clarifies His Remarks as "Fundamental Statements"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Representative Jeong Seong-ho are conversing at the National Defense Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Regarding Im Hyuk-baek, the Public Official Committee Chairman, demanding a responsible attitude from those who caused the birth of the Yoon Seok-yeol government, Jeong Seong-ho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "It is just a theoretical statement," and added, "We cannot conclude that someone is unfit for nomination simply because they were part of the Moon Jae-in administration." Jeong, a four-term lawmaker, is considered a leading figure of the 'pro-Lee Jae-myung faction' and a close aide to party leader Lee Jae-myung.

On the 7th, appearing on MBC's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," Jeong was asked about Chairman Im's remarks and responded, "It is a theoretical statement and will not serve as a standard in the nomination process. It is an overall evaluation during the nomination process." He added, "The suitability of candidates should be comprehensively assessed based on factors such as the replacement index within the region and opinion polls. We cannot conclude that someone is unfit for nomination just because they were part of a past administration."

Earlier, Chairman Im announced the results of the first round of candidate screening for the April 10 general election, stating, "Those who unintentionally contributed to the birth of the Yoon Seok-yeol prosecution regime should also show a responsible attitude." Although Chairman Im did not specifically name any candidates, it is interpreted that he was calling for former Moon administration Blue House officials, such as former Chief of Staff Im, to either refrain from running or run in difficult constituencies.

Im Hyuk-baek, Chairman of the Democratic Party's Public Office Election Candidate Recommendation Management Committee, is announcing the first-round primary candidates at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 6th. Previously, the committee conducted interviews over six days from the 31st of last month until the 5th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Regarding Chairman Im's remarks, Jeong elaborated, "He did not specifically point fingers but seemed to reflect a general sentiment that since we failed to recreate the government, it might be necessary for some to make a voluntary decision."

When asked if former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum could be brought on board if he accepted the position of integrated election committee chairman, Jeong said, "We should bring in those who have the support of party members. Both former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum and former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun are respected figures. Since they are reasonable and amicable people, it would be very good if we could work together."

Regarding the possibility of success for third-party parties such as New Future and Reform New Party, he said, "It will not be easy." He explained, "Judging the Yoon Seok-yeol government’s incompetence and recklessness is an important task of the times and the Democratic Party’s goal. I believe the people will ultimately decide which forces to support. From that perspective, it will be difficult for third parties to succeed."

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