'Recruitment No. 2' Won Jong-geon Declares Candidacy for Local District... Former Blue House Official Yusonghwa Also Officially Announces Candidacy for Nowon Gap

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Individuals from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) who have thrown their hats into the ring for the April 15 general election are steadily deciding to run in local constituencies.

Won Jong-geon (27), the DPK's second recruited talent, held a press conference at the National Assembly on the 23rd, stating, "I will not run for the DPK proportional representation in the 21st general election," and added, "I will run in a local constituency and participate in the primary election."

Won said, "This is to break the two fixed stereotypes that 'because I am young, I cannot succeed' and 'because I have nothing, I cannot succeed,'" adding, "I don't mind running in a difficult district or even a more challenging one," and "I will confidently compete with the vigor of youth in the local area."

He expressed his determination, saying, "I want to be chosen through the most meaningful and toughest competition and create surprises and waves," and "I will boldly prove from the very bottom that youth live on this land with courage and that our party can enable youth to succeed through competition."

Won was recruited as the DPK's second talent at the end of last year. He is well known for appearing on the 2006 MBC program 'Neukkimpyo - Wake Up' with his mother, who has multiple sensory disabilities. After the appearance, Won continued his volunteer work steadily, graduated from Kyung Hee University with a degree in Media and Communication, and worked in the social contribution team at eBay Korea.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yu Song-hwa, former Chunchoogwan director who left the Blue House to run in the general election, also announced her intention to run in a local constituency on the same day. Her destination is Nowon Gap, Seoul. She received a preliminary candidate qualification from the Public Official Election Candidate Verification Committee the day before.

In a press statement, former Director Yu said, "I will be a righteous and sincere person who practices politics with genuine conviction," and "I will discard old customs and create better changes in Nowon."

Former Director Yu is originally from Jeonnam, graduated from Gwangju Songwon Girls' High School, earned a degree in Economics from Ewha Womans University, a master's degree in Urban Administration from the University of Seoul, and completed doctoral coursework in North Korean Studies at Dongguk University. She served as the DPK deputy spokesperson and was the second secretary at the Presidential Secretariat.