Kim Jin-tae: "Cutoff Does Not Reflect Yoon's Intent... Primaries Must Be Held in Some Form"

Former lawmaker Kim Jin-tae is holding a press conference on the 17th urging the People Power Party to conduct the Gangwon Province governor candidate primary election. Photo by Kim's former lawmaker side

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[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Former lawmaker Kim Jin-tae, who was cut off after running in the People Power Party's gubernatorial primary for Gangwon Province, demanded on the 17th to hold a 'primary election' against Hwang Sang-mu, a former KBS anchor who was officially selected as the candidate.

Kim, who is on a hunger strike in front of the National Assembly, told reporters on the day, "I propose a primary election to candidate Hwang," and pointed out, "If it goes like this, it will be a certain defeat in the general election." He said, "This nomination process looks very unfair to the public," and added, "It will be difficult to win the hearts of the people of Gangwon Province under such circumstances."

Kim, who challenged the People Power Party's Gangwon gubernatorial candidacy but was cut off due to past remarks and other issues, also shared his thoughts on the controversy over Yoon Sim (the sentiment of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol).

He said, "I do not think this situation reflects the will of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol," adding, "Because it goes against the fairness and common sense that the President-elect has advocated so far. However, if the party insists on this, the public may be disappointed with the Yoon administration, which could negatively affect the entire local election."

He also expressed willingness to leave the primary election method to others.

Kim said, "I will entrust the form and content of the primary election," and suggested, "Let's have more debates and policy presentations." He emphasized, "The primary election must be held in any form." Kim also mentioned, "In Chungnam, there was a precedent where lawmaker Kim Tae-heum himself requested a primary," and added, "We can confidently win the general election."

Regarding his hunger strike and resistance against the decision of the nomination management committee, Kim said, "All of this stems from the desire to change the provincial administration in Gangwon after 12 years and the hope for the new government's success," and added, "Therefore, I expect a positive response."

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