Im Jong-seok, Who Almost Left the Party, Why Did He Stop at the Last Moment?

Im Jong-seok "Accepts Party Decision" to Stay
Strategic Judgment, Possibility of Persuading Elders Under Debate
"Blocked Split, But May Lower Tension and Become a Negative Factor"

Former Presidential Chief of Staff Lim Jong-seok, who had opposed the Democratic Party of Korea's nomination exclusion (cutoff), suddenly announced in the early morning of the 4th that he "accepts the party's decision." The Democratic Party, which had been tense due to nomination conflicts such as the cutoff, breathed a sigh of relief for now with Lim's decision to accept the cutoff, despite speculation that he might leave the party. In political circles, there were analyses that Lim's decision was made with a 'long-term battle' in mind, as well as speculation that former President Moon Jae-in and others may have made last-minute efforts to persuade him.

Earlier, when the Democratic Party confirmed that it would not nominate him for the Seoul Jung-gu Seongdong-gu Gap district, Lim left a message on the morning of the 2nd saying, "I fully understood Representative Lee Jae-myung's intentions." On the 3rd, it was also revealed that he met with Lee Nak-yeon, the leader of the New Future Party, sparking speculation that Lim might leave the Democratic Party and join the New Future Party. However, Lim announced his intention to remain with a short three-word sentence on social media (SNS) regarding his whereabouts.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding Lim's decision, the Democratic Party is clearly relieved for the time being. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said at a meeting with reporters, "It must have been a difficult situation for him to accept," but added, "Nevertheless, I am very grateful that he respected and accepted the party's decision." He continued, "I would be even more grateful if he joins forces to solve the most important task of our era, which is the judgment of the regime. The party will also make efforts."

An interesting point is that Lim initially decided to leave the party but then reversed his decision. Lee Seok-hyun, an advisor to the New Future Party, appeared on BBS Radio's 'Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal' that day and said, "At 7 p.m. yesterday (the 3rd), when Lee Nak-yeon, co-leader of the New Future Party, called Lim, he promised to leave the party," adding, "So Lee postponed his announcement to run in Gwangju on the 3rd." According to the advisor's statement, Lim changed his mind in just 12 hours. In fact, Lim's words seemed to be heading toward a 'breakup.'

Why did he change his mind? Was it a strategic decision?

In political circles, there is an analysis that he chose 'sacrifice' with the next presidential or party leadership election in mind. Professor Lim Sung-ho of Kyung Hee University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy said, "Lim's decision to remain in the party appears to be a long-term strategic move," adding, "For the time being, he will endure humiliation and stay within the party, then after the general election, depending on changes in the political landscape, he may seize the opportunity to become the leader of the non-Lee Jae-myung faction within the party or emerge as a leader replacing Lee Jae-myung."

Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "Lim's departure would have been the biggest blow to the Democratic Party and leader Lee Jae-myung. For Lee Nak-yeon, it would have created a justification to gain at least five seats," adding, "However, Lim is someone with a direction as a next presidential candidate. If he stays in the party, he can try for both party leadership and the presidency. Democratic Party members will all be grateful for Lim's decision." Park also said, "Lim's decision has dispelled concerns about the party splitting and there will be almost no mass defections."

However, strategic judgment alone is not enough. Was there another reason when he changed his mind at the last moment?

Political commentator Kim Sang-il said, "Comrades such as Representative Yoon Young-chan stayed in the party influenced by Lim. They would not have supported Lim's departure," adding, "I thought that those who stayed because of Lim's stance might have held him back from making a decision." However, Kim also believed that strategic judgment played a role. He analyzed, "Staying means he is looking beyond the general election." Kim warned that Lim's decision could ultimately reduce tension within the party. He said, "With this decision, the Democratic Party will think more that if people don't want to vote for President Yoon Suk-yeol, they have no choice but to vote for us, which will reduce the party's incentive to try to meet the public's expectations."

There is also mention of the possibility of last-minute persuasion by former President Moon and other senior figures. Choi Byung-chun, director of the New Growth Research Institute, said, "Lim's recent actions seemed to be building up toward leaving the party," adding, "I speculate that former President Moon or someone of similar stature might have been involved."

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