Democratic Party Recommends Kim Eui-gyeom and Jeong Bong-ju Not to Run

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 28th, it was reported that the Democratic Party of Korea advised former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom and former lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju, who declared their candidacy for the general election, not to run.

According to the Democratic Party, the party leadership recently conveyed the request not to run in this general election through party figures who are close to these lawmakers.

This appears to be a measure reflecting concerns within the party that controversies related to real estate and gender issues involving them will persist throughout the election period.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, former spokesperson Kim purchased a commercial building in the redevelopment area of Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, in July 2018 for 2.57 billion KRW, and stepped down from his spokesperson position in March last year after allegations of real estate speculation arose.

Former lawmaker Jeong, who ran in the 2018 Seoul mayoral primary, announced his retirement from politics following sexual harassment allegations but rejoined the party after being acquitted in the first trial last year.

Meanwhile, apart from this party measure, the party’s Public Office Candidate Verification Committee continues to vet prospective candidates, including former spokesperson Kim and former lawmaker Jeong, who are under 'continued review.'

The verification results are expected to be announced within the day, and if the committee fails to reach a conclusion, the matter will be transferred to the Verification Subcommittee under the Public Office Candidate Recommendation Committee.