[Politics That Day] 12 Years Ago Jang Je-won 'Not Running in General Election'... Moon Showdown Failed

The Strongman of Busan Sasang, Jang Je-won's Cruel History in General Elections
Did Not Run in the 22nd General Election Following the 19th
In 2012, Moon Jae-in Elected in the Seat Vacated by Jang Je-won

Editor's Note‘On That Day in Politics’ is a series that looks back on Korean politics through the ‘recollection of memories’ related to notable scenes, events, and figures that deserve attention.

When President Yoon Suk-yeol was elected, few would have predicted that politician Jang Je-won, a key figure in the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk-yeol faction), would repeat his ‘cruel election history’ in the general election. Known as a strong figure in Busan Sasang District, politician Jang Je-won was building a political base to challenge not only for a seat in the National Assembly but also for the mayor of Busan.

The winds of the general election blow stronger the higher one goes in the power hierarchy. Since the political consequences of the individual’s career are significant, the likelihood of being designated as a ‘sacrificial’ figure also increases. During general elections, lawmakers who quietly take care of their constituencies have a higher chance of receiving party nominations.

Politicians widely mentioned on the central political stage may find themselves at a disadvantage in nomination competitions, at least. Politician Jang Je-won was recognized as an important variable in the power dynamics of the People Power Party. Whether he runs again in Busan Sasang or chooses to serve quietly as a loyal supporter will change the political weather vane.

Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party who officially announced he will not run in next year's general election, is moving while answering reporters' questions after a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 12th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

"Once again, I am taking the path of loyal service."

Politician Jang Je-won’s message of not running was concise yet powerful. The three words ‘once again’ carry a lot of meaning. Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, voluntarily gave up the opportunity to run as a ruling party candidate in the 22nd general election on April 10 next year.

So why did politician Jang Je-won use the phrase ‘once again’? Around this time 12 years ago, in December 2011, politician Jang Je-won was also the protagonist of a cruel election history.

“I decided to willingly become a subject of reform, believing that setting strict moral standards for reform is the way to regain the public’s trust.”

On December 20, 2011, Jang Je-won, a member of the Grand National Party (Busan Sasang), held a press conference and announced he would not run in the 19th general election. His decision not to run triggered a reform in the party’s nomination process.

The 19th general election was the hottest and most dazzling election among all Busan general elections in history.

Former President Moon Jae-in is delivering a greeting at the 5th anniversary ceremony of the September 19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration held on the afternoon of September 19 at the 63 Building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The Democratic United Party was preparing to send star-level figures to Busan, including Moon Jae-in, then chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, and actor Moon Sung-geun. An interesting point is that Busan Sasang, where politician Jang Je-won announced his withdrawal, became the debut stage for first-term lawmaker Moon Jae-in.

If politician Jang Je-won had not announced his withdrawal, a showdown between Moon Jae-in and Jang Je-won might have taken place.

As many remember, former President Moon Jae-in ran as the National Assembly candidate for Busan Sasang District in the 19th general election and was elected. It was his first and last memory as a lawmaker.

At that time, Moon Jae-in, the Democratic United Party candidate, received 55.0% of the vote, while his opponent Son Su-jo of the Grand National Party received 43.8%.

Although Moon was elected, he did not record the highest vote share among Democratic United Party candidates in Busan. The highest vote share in Busan for the Democratic United Party was by Jo Kyung-tae, who ran in the Sahagu-eul district (then as a Democratic Party candidate, not People Power Party), with 58.2% of the vote.

People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won is holding a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 12th to announce his decision not to run in next year's general election. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Son Su-jo, Moon’s opponent, was a political newcomer and did not have the political recognition to match Moon. If politician Jang Je-won had run again in his political stronghold of Sasang, an interesting contest would likely have unfolded.

It means that even former President Moon Jae-in could not have been assured of victory, and the race could have been fiercely competitive. There are no ‘what ifs’ in politics. In December 2011, politician Jang Je-won announced he would not run, and the following year Moon Jae-in became the new National Assembly member for Busan Sasang.

In December 2023, politician Jang Je-won chose the path of loyal service ‘once again.’ Who will become the new National Assembly member for Busan Sasang in April next year? Will another pro-Yoon core figure favored by President Yoon be elected? Will the Democratic Party be able to take the Sasang district seat as in the 19th general election?

The choice of Busan Sasang has emerged as an intriguing point of interest in the 22nd general election.