Jeon Hyun-hee: "Im Jong-seok, Please Serve as the Election Committee Chair... A Difficult Decision to Accept Nomination Exclusion"

by Yun Seulgi

Published 04 Mar.2024 09:14(KST)

"Become One Team and Win Without Fail"

Former Blue House Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok expressed his intention to accept the decision of the Democratic Party of Korea, which excluded him from candidacy (cut-off) in the Seoul Jung-Seongdong-gap district. Meanwhile, former Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee proposed the position of election campaign committee chairperson for Seoul Jung-Seongdong-gap, saying, "He has made a truly difficult decision."

Jeon, who was strategically nominated for Seoul Jung-Seongdong-gap, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 4th and said, "I also experienced a similar pain when I stepped down in Jongno, so I fully understand his feelings and share a sense of camaraderie," bowing her head as she added, "First of all, I am grateful and welcome him."

Im Jong-seok, former Chief of Staff at the Blue House who was excluded from the nomination in Seoul Jung-Seongdong Gap, a strategic constituency of the Democratic Party of Korea, resumed election campaigning on the afternoon of the 28th at Wangsimni Station Plaza in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, meeting with pro-Moon faction figures including Representative Hong Young-pyo and supporters. Photo by Yonhap News

She continued, "If you accept this position in the Seoul Jung-Seongdong-gap election, I will serve as the campaign committee chairperson, and together we will unite as one team to surely achieve victory."

Jeon revealed that she had been in contact with Im after being strategically nominated for the Jung-Seongdong-gap district. She said, "I sent a text expressing my apologies due to various personal regrets," and added, "I received a text from Im saying he had no regrets toward me but that he was bewildered by the situation."

Im stated through his Facebook earlier that day that he "accepts the party's decision." Previously, Im had hinted at the possibility of leaving the party during a meeting with Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the New Future Party, but it appears he has decided to remain within the party.

Jeon said, "Im Jong-seok has great affection for the party and a strong sense of ownership," adding, "Therefore, I believed he would not make the decision to leave the party." She continued, "That is why I refrained from campaigning in the district and waited for Im Jong-seok's decision," and said, "I hope to meet him once and show my respect."