Minju Joins Seodaemun-gu Gap Primary Race with 'Daejang-dong Lawyer'

On the 7th, audition confirmed Kwon Ji-woong, Kim Gyu-hyun, and Sung Chi-hoon for the primary
The next day, Sung Chi-hoon dropped out and pro-Myeong Kim Dong-a was added
Sung Chi-hoon stated, "I will raise objections to the leadership"

The Democratic Party of Korea has changed the list of three candidates for Seoul Seodaemun-gu Gap, designated as a youth strategy special zone. The Strategic Nomination Management Committee excluded former Blue House administrator Seong Chi-hoon from the candidates, citing "national demand," and included Kim Dong-a, known as the "Daejang-dong lawyer," in the primary election. The decision, made through a public audition, was reversed in less than a day, sparking controversy.

On the morning of the 8th, Kang Sun-woo, the party spokesperson, told reporters after the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, "There was a resolution on the candidates for the Seodaemun-gu Gap primary," adding, "After document screening, interviews, and a public audition, the candidates were narrowed down to three: Kwon Ji-woong, Kim Gyu-hyun, and Kim Dong-a." The previous afternoon, Ahn Kyu-baek, chairman of the Strategic Nomination Committee, announced the results after a public audition of five candidates who had passed document screening and interviews, deciding on former Democratic Party Emergency Committee member Kwon Ji-woong, former Seoul Northern District Prosecutor Kim Gyu-hyun, and former Blue House administrator Seong as the three primary candidates.

On the 7th, attendees are taking the pledge to practice fair competition at the public screening of young candidates for Seodaemun Gap held at the Democratic Party Yeouido headquarters. Photo by Yonhap News

At a briefing on the nomination results held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, Ahn Kyu-baek explained the reason for excluding former administrator Seong from the candidates. He said, "The issues raised about former administrator Seong are not 100% factual nor are there any disqualifications that led to his exclusion, but I believe it is the political group's responsibility to respond promptly to national demands," adding, "This morning, after considering various circumstances, the Strategic Nomination Committee held a meeting and re-decided." This statement is interpreted as referring to the 'secondary sexual violence controversy' that arose after Seong was selected as a candidate. According to a joint statement by women's organizations released the previous day, former Blue House administrator Seong is suspected of defaming the victim in court during the sexual violence case involving former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung.

When a reporter asked Chairman Ahn if Kim Dong-a was selected because he is the "Daejang-dong lawyer," he replied, "If that had been a consideration, we would have decided and announced it yesterday; there would be no reason to include him today," emphasizing, "The decision was made unanimously by all committee members without prejudice." Regarding the question of whether a two-person primary could be held without promoting the runner-up, he said, "That was discussed, but most committee members agreed that since it was initially announced that three candidates would be shortlisted, promoting the runner-up aligns with the procedures and process." Kim is known as the defense attorney for Jeong Jin-sang, former party leader and political coordination office chief, who was indicted over the Daejang-dong development corruption allegations, and is reportedly popular among supporters of party leader Lee Jae-myung.

Former Blue House administrator Seong, excluded from the primary candidates, posted a statement on Facebook that afternoon, saying, "After the announcement of the results yesterday, at 5:30 p.m., I was informed by staff to prepare documents and attend the final primary briefing," adding, "However, at 9:03 a.m. today, I was notified by Chairman Ahn Kyu-baek that the candidate had been replaced. As someone who received a passing notice yesterday, I expressed that I could not accept this, but I have not received a response." He added, "If this is the case, why hold a primary? Don't call it a youth strategy primary; just call it a strategic nomination."

In a phone interview with Asia Economy, he said, "The Strategic Nomination Committee has no appeal process, so I am taking steps to file an objection with the leadership."

Seodaemun-gu Gap in Seoul was designated as a youth strategy special zone after four-term lawmaker Woo Sang-ho announced he would not run. The three shortlisted candidates will undergo a mobile vote by party members from the 9th to the 10th and an ARS vote by Seodaemun-gu Gap voters on the 10th. The final candidate will be decided with 70% weight given to the party members' vote and 30% to the voters' ARS vote.

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