Democratic Party Mokpo 5th District Provincial Assembly Candidate Race Shaken by Sudden Withdrawal

Park Yong Withdraws from Race... Im Taeseong and Choi Jiseon Considered as Potential Candidates

The Democratic Party of Korea Jeonnam Provincial Party Website.

The nomination race for the Democratic Party of Korea's Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member representing Mokpo's 5th electoral district has been shaken by an unexpected variable. What was expected to be a primary with a sole candidate has now been reset for discussion from the beginning due to a candidate's withdrawal.

Park Yong, who was preparing to run in the Democratic Party's Mokpo 5th electoral district, withdrew from the race ahead of the primary. This decision reportedly came after media reports alleged that Park had visited a strip bar during an overseas training trip in 2018, while serving as a Mokpo city council member, which sparked controversy.

As the controversy grew, Kim Won Yi, Member of the National Assembly and head of the Mokpo City District Committee for the Democratic Party of Korea, stated via social media, "Inappropriate behavior by some city council members during the 2018 Mokpo City Council overseas training was reported by the media," adding, "I have instructed the Jeonnam Provincial Party to investigate the facts, and if confirmed to be true, the candidate will be disqualified and party-level disciplinary action will be taken."

Kim further added, "Regardless of the reasons, I apologize to the citizens who have supported the Democratic Party of Korea."

It has since been confirmed that Park Yong has submitted a pledge not to run to the Jeonnam Provincial Party.

With the candidate seat now vacant, the political community is considering Im Taeseong and Choi Jiseon, both prospective Mokpo city council candidates from the same constituency, as potential new candidates.

However, since it is rare for a sole candidate to withdraw during the primary process, the decisions of the Jeonnam Provincial Party Nomination Management Committee and the Supreme Council are expected to act as variables.

While local political circles are discussing various scenarios, such as a strategic nomination or an additional open recruitment, the final candidate selection is expected to be made through the party leadership and the nomination review process.

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