Jin Joong-kwon on Im Jong-seok's General Election Candidacy Rumors: "Don't Get Carried Away by the Atmosphere, Make Wise Decisions to Avoid Ruin"

Former Chief of Staff to the President, Im Jong-seok, is delivering a broadcast speech on the Democratic Party of Korea's platform and policies on the afternoon of the 21st. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon advised former presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok regarding rumors of his candidacy in the general election, saying, "Don't get carried away by the atmosphere just because someone is egging you on and ruin yourself; make a good judgment."

On the 24th, Jin posted on his Facebook, "Protect your family while you still can," expressing this sentiment.

He shared an article mentioning former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon’s meeting with reporters the previous day, where Lee said, "(To Im) I half-jokingly, half-seriously complained, 'Why did you make such a (non-candidacy) declaration?'" and claimed, "Im Jong-seok will run. Lee Nak-yeon is stirring the wind."

He then pointed out, "Why do you think? You all know," adding, "He got scared and ran away after seeing Cho Kuk being targeted."

He continued, "He hid in a hole, but when the hawk flew by, he longed for the world outside the hole again," and added, "It would be better not to call him out. He ran away because his feet were itchy, and if they set their minds to exposing him, it wouldn't be difficult to ruin him."

After stepping down as presidential chief of staff last year, Im moved to Jongno, leading some to speculate about his possible candidacy there. However, in November of the same year, he declared he would leave institutional politics and return to his original place, effectively announcing he would not run in the 21st general election.

However, recently, the Democratic Party leadership has been encouraging Im to run in the general election.

Earlier, on the 22nd, Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan appeared on TBS radio and said, "(Im) has been involved in politics for a long time, so it’s better for him to be together within the party," and added, "I intend to invite him."

Won Hye-young, chairperson of the Democratic Party’s nomination management committee, also said on the 23rd on CBS radio’s 'Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show,' "For our party, losing such an important talent (Im) is a huge burden," and stated, "It is our party’s responsibility to have him play an important role at this critical juncture."