The High Wall of Realpolitik... Many Police-Origin 'Political Rookies' from Both Parties Face Defeat

In the 22nd National Assembly election held on the 10th, many first-time candidates with police backgrounds suffered defeats. Although they promoted pledges such as "citizen safety" by emphasizing their police experience, they were unable to overcome disadvantages such as low name recognition.

Handonghun, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is appealing for support for Kim Jongyang, the candidate for Uichang, Changwon, Gyeongnam.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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There were a total of seven candidates with police backgrounds running for the first time in this general election. From the People Power Party, former Jeju Police Chief Ko Gi-cheol (Jeju Seogwipo), former Interpol President Kim Jong-yang (Gyeongnam Changwon Uichang), former Police University President Seo Cheon-ho (Gyeongnam Sacheon·Namhae·Hadong), and former Daejeon Police Chief Yoon So-sik (Daejeon Yuseong Gap) ran for office for the first time.

From the Democratic Party, Ryu Sam-young, a former police superintendent who led and attended the so-called "Superintendent Meeting" opposing the establishment of the Police Bureau under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in 2022 (Seoul Dongjak Eul), and Lee Ji-eun, a former superintendent (Seoul Mapo Gap), were recruited as talent and ran for office. Nam Byung-geun, former Deputy Commissioner of the Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency (Gyeonggi Dongducheon·Yangju·Yeoncheon Eul), also threw his hat in the ring.

However, when the results were revealed, only two candidates, Kim Jong-yang and Seo Cheon-ho, who ran as ruling party candidates in conservative strongholds, were elected.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is campaigning in support of candidate Ryu Sam-young at the entrance of Namseong Sagye Market in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 8th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

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Candidate Ryu Sam-young lost by about 8 percentage points against Na Kyung-won, a senior ruling party member. Despite Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung visiting the site seven times to support the campaign, the lack of local support base and low name recognition were cited as reasons for the defeat.

Candidate Lee Ji-eun was also strategically nominated in Seoul Mapo Gap but was defeated by People Power Party candidate Cho Jeong-hoon. Aside from her experience working at the Mapo Police Station, she lacked a significant local base and was disadvantaged as a political newcomer with low recognition. Lee said in her concession remarks, "I will never forget the overwhelming support and encouragement from the residents of Mapo-gu," and added, "As always, I will seek answers on the ground."

Ruling party candidates who were former high-ranking police officers and former police chiefs of the electoral districts also faced bitter defeats amid the prevailing "regime judgment" sentiment. Candidate Ko Gi-cheol competed well in the early vote count against incumbent Wi Seong-gon but lost by 8 percentage points. Candidate Yoon So-sik also faced incumbent Cho Seung-rae but was defeated by about 16 percentage points. Local political circles view that it was difficult for political newcomers to overcome the strong regime judgment sentiment with personal skills alone.

Gogi-cheol, People Power Party candidate for Seogwipo City, Jeju.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

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It is expected that about 10 police-background lawmakers will be in the 22nd National Assembly. From the Democratic Party, former Busan Police Chief Lee Sang-sik, who ran in Daegu in the 21st general election but moved his constituency to Gyeonggi Yongin Gap this time and was elected, and lawmaker Lim Ho-seon, who sought re-election in Chungbuk Jeungpyeong·Jincheon·Eumseong, were named among the elected. Lawmaker Hwang Un-ha was elected through the proportional representation of the Joguk Innovation Party in this election.

From the People Power Party, along with candidates Kim Jong-yang and Seo Cheon-ho, incumbent lawmakers with police backgrounds Kim Seok-ki (Gyeongbuk Gyeongju), Seo Beom-su (Ulsan Ulju), Yoon Jae-ok (Daegu Dalseo Eul), Lee Man-hee (Gyeongbuk Yeongcheon·Cheongdo), and Lee Cheol-gyu (Gangwon Donghae·Taebaek·Samcheok·Jeongseon) were elected.

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