[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The 'Old Boys' who had left Yeouido for a while are preparing to make a comeback in this year's April 15 general election.
High name recognition is certainly an advantage in the general election. However, familiarity does not guarantee favorability. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. They also face the challenge of overcoming the image of going against the strong demand for generational change in politics. This is why this general election is seen as a challenge for them. With less than three months remaining until the election, who are the 'Old Boys' dreaming of returning to politics?
The most active region is Gyeongnam. Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Tae-ho has already registered as a preliminary candidate in the Gyeongnam Sancheong-Hamyang-Geochang-Hapcheon electoral district. He served as a member of the National Assembly for Gyeongnam Gimhae-eul in the 18th and 19th National Assembly, but this time he is preparing to enter the National Assembly by running in his hometown (Geochang). The current member of the National Assembly in this area is Kang Seok-jin of the Liberty Korea Party. As this is considered a conservative stronghold, the primary competition between former Governor Kim and the incumbent lawmaker is a key point to watch.
Former party leader Hong Joon-pyo has also declared his candidacy in his hometown (Gyeongnam Changnyeong). Having served four terms in Seoul Songpa-gap and Dongdaemun-eul and twice as Gyeongnam governor, he has announced his intention to run in the Gyeongnam Miryang-si, Uiryeong, Haman, and Changnyeong counties. Another 'Old Boy,' former lawmaker Cho Hae-jin, is also building his campaign base in this area. Cho, who served as a member of the 18th and 19th National Assembly, recently rejoined the Liberty Korea Party and hinted at running in the general election.
Former lawmaker Ahn Hong-jun, who served in the 17th, 18th, and 19th National Assembly and was chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, has declared his candidacy in Changwon-si Masanhwawon-gu, Gyeongnam, and is expected to compete for the nomination against the current lawmaker Yoon Han-hong of the Liberty Korea Party. Former four-term lawmaker Kim Young-seon, who served in the 15th through 18th National Assembly and was a former leader of the Grand National Party, and former lawmaker Eom Ho-seong, who recently rejoined the Liberty Korea Party and served in the 16th and 17th National Assembly, have both registered as preliminary candidates for Changwon Jinhae-gu in Gyeongnam.
Former Changwon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo, who served four terms as a member of the National Assembly (15th to 18th) and as mayor of Changwon, is aiming to enter the National Assembly by running in Uiwang-si and Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi Province. Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has also early declared his candidacy and is preparing to run in Seoul Gwangjin-gu-eul. Former lawmaker Kwon Young-se, who served in the 16th, 17th, and 18th National Assembly representing Seoul Yeongdeungpo-gu-eul, has registered as a preliminary candidate in Seoul Yongsan-gu.
In the metropolitan area, 'Old Boys' from the Democratic Party of Korea are also stretching their wings. Former Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Cheong-rae is a representative example. He has registered as a preliminary candidate in Seoul Mapo-eul, where he served in the 17th and 19th National Assembly, preparing to return to Yeouido. Former Democratic Research Institute head Kim Min-seok, who served in the 16th and 17th National Assembly, has confirmed his candidacy in Seoul Yeongdeungpo-gu-eul.
In the Chungcheong region, former lawmaker Lee In-je is challenging for a seventh term. He was re-elected in Gyeonggi Anyang-gap and served four terms in the Chungnam Nonsan-Gyeryong-Geumsan area. He has also registered as a preliminary candidate in this Chungnam Nonsan-Gyeryong-Geumsan district.
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