[People 人] Former Blue House Chief Secretary Im Jong-seok, Resurfacing Speculation of Being Drafted for the General Election

Two Months After Retiring from Yeouido Political Stage, Lee Hae-chan Delivers Ruling Party Manifesto Speech...Message Encouraging General Election Candidacy

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "The best inheritance the older generation can leave for future generations is to leave no burdens from the past." On the 21st, former Blue House Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok, who took the stage as the first speaker in the Democratic Party's policy broadcast speech, delivered a meaningful message. His speech contained lessons and reflections accumulated through his life experiences, as well as a pledge for the future.

'Human Im Jong-seok' is a figure who has experienced a tumultuous life. He spent his twenties at the forefront of one million students, breathing in the acrid tear gas. In the turbulent year of 1989, he led the student movement as the president of Hanyang University’s student council and the chairman of the 3rd National Council of Student Representatives (Jeondaehyeop). His legendary escape from police investigations by disguising himself in women's clothing is still talked about like a legend.

Entering politics, he debuted on the Yeouido stage as a member of the National Assembly at the young age of 33 in 2000. There was a time when he was recognized as a promising next-generation political leader, but that is all in the past.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He officially declared his withdrawal from the Yeouido political stage. It is natural that various interpretations arise seeing such a figure take the forefront of the Democratic Party’s 4.15 general election promotional activities. He stands again on the boundary dividing the grassroots and Yeouido. Why did he emphasize the responsibility of the older generation? It is not unrelated to his reputation as a representative figure symbolizing the '386 generation.'

Former Chief of Staff Im explained, "The so-called 386 generation who entered politics received sufficient rewards and honor rather than just their youthful contributions," adding, "The precious realization gained through debates is not about what we do for future generations, but about enabling them to draw a new future on their own." The message he wants to convey is to pass on a 'future of peace' instead of a 'past of division.'

"Peace on the Korean Peninsula and the joint prosperity of North and South Korea. That work, which is both my dream and mission, I now intend to pursue in the civilian sector." This connects with the message he posted on Facebook on November 17 last year when he declared his political retirement.

Can former Chief of Staff Im live a life devoted to the unification movement again from the grassroots, as he did in the 1980s and 1990s? He has grown too large to return to the past. The weight of being the first Blue House Chief of Staff under the Moon Jae-in administration is by no means light. The deadlock in inter-Korean relations is also a noteworthy point. This means that regardless of his own will, he may be compelled to play a role.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former Chief of Staff Im said, "On April 27, 2018, I was at Panmunjom all day with the President. I sat beside the President in the summit hall and was able to closely observe the thoughts and attitudes of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un. We ate together at the banquet and shared drinks."

This is an experience that cannot remain a personal memory. It means he must consider how to connect such experiences to social contributions. This is why the ruling party viewed his political retirement announcement in Yeouido last November with regret. Born in 1966, former Chief of Staff Im is now 53 years old.

Compared to ruling party lawmakers, he is rather young. It is too early to talk about retirement. The experience of leading the Blue House in the early Moon Jae-in administration can, in some ways, become a 'debt.' This means he cannot return to being a private citizen, Im Jong-seok.

In fact, the ruling party leadership is encouraging former Chief of Staff Im to run in the general election through various channels. The logic is that for the ruling party to win the general election, a heavyweight figure like him must run in key constituencies to create momentum.

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the welcoming ceremony for Choi Ki-il, the 11th recruit and defense industry expert, held at the National Assembly on the 21st, delivering a welcoming speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan appeared on tbs Traffic Broadcasting's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' on the 22nd and pointed to former Chief of Staff Im, saying, "I am trying to bring him in." He also explained that since Im has continued in politics, it is desirable for him to be involved within the party. However, there is no signal that former Chief of Staff Im is considering running in the general election.

It is not easy to change his words just two months after announcing his intention to leave Yeouido politics. For former Chief of Staff Im, it is a choice that carries political risks. Although there are rumors about the possibility of him running in major constituencies including Seoul regardless of his own will, these are still just 'rumors.' The choice ultimately belongs to former Chief of Staff Im himself. What kind of future is he preparing?

Although the image of 'politician Im Jong-seok' still remains, it is actually just a memory of the past. His last victory in a National Assembly election was 16 years ago, in 2004. If he decides to run and wins in the general election, it would mean returning to the Yeouido political stage after a long time.