"I am a lifelong Democratic Party member" The political science of 'not running' in the April 15 general election

Jung Bong-ju "Feeling like crying out while coughing up blood"
Kim Eui-gyeom "Hope to win big in the general election and support Moon Jae-in government"
President Moon Jae-in's past as party leader candidate, making a stand by not running in the general election

Former lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju, who was disqualified as a Democratic Party preliminary candidate for the April 15 general election due to a defamation trial related to a sexual harassment case, is seen choking up during a press conference at the National Assembly Press Hall on the 11th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Former lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju, who was disqualified as a preliminary candidate for the April 15 general election by the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press conference at the National Assembly Press Hall on the 11th and announced that he would accept the party's decision. He showed tears that day and ended with the words "an eternal member of the Democratic Party," expressing his acceptance of the party's decision.

Along with former lawmaker Jeong's press conference, who will not run in the general election according to the party's decision, former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom's declaration of not running in the general election is also receiving renewed attention among supporters.

Although both individuals will not run in the general election, Jeong decided not to run following the 'party's decision,' while Kim declared his non-candidacy voluntarily before being disqualified as a preliminary candidate.

At the press conference, Jeong said, "There is no understandable legal basis or regulation, but it seems that the party carried out an 'emotional punishment' based on a political judgment of 'national expectations and standards.'" He added, "I feel so wronged and sorrowful that I want to vomit blood and scream."

He claimed, "Two years ago, due to the so-called Me Too scandal, my reinstatement to the Democratic Party was blocked, and I was politically punished by being denied permission to run for Seoul mayor." He continued, "Since then, I have undergone a harsh trial for nearly two years and was completely acquitted."

He added, "I am being cut down again. First by the Lee Myung-bak administration, and now by the hands of colleagues who have been with me through difficult times..." but emphasized again, "I am an eternal member of the Democratic Party."

Former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom is holding a press conference for his candidacy at Gunsan City Hall, Jeonbuk, on December 19 last year. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom also announced his intention not to run in the general election.

On the 3rd, Kim posted on his Facebook, "I wanted to work for the success of the Moon Jae-in administration and the economic development of Gunsan. I have done everything I could in my own way to be recognized for my usefulness. Sometimes I struggled," and added, "But now it seems time to stop," declaring his non-candidacy.

He also said, "To the citizens of Gunsan who have supported me, I am deeply sorry and infinitely grateful. I will never forget your kindness," and added, "I sincerely hope the Democratic Party wins a landslide victory in the general election and strongly supports the Moon Jae-in administration."

Given this situation, opinions among supporters are divided regarding the non-candidacy processes of former lawmaker Jeong and former spokesperson Kim.

A 40-year-old office worker A, who declared that he will definitely exercise his voting rights in the upcoming general election, said, "Jeong Bong-ju showed sincerity by shedding tears and accepting the party's decision." He added, "Personally, it is a decision that leaves many regrets."

On the other hand, another 30-year-old office worker B said, "Conflicts over nominations before the general election are natural, but this seems too excessive," and evaluated, "I think Kim Eui-gyeom, who quietly declared his non-candidacy, is better."

Meanwhile, the interpretation that 'non-candidacy declarations' are political acts is dominant. Usually, a non-candidacy declaration is not about giving up but is seen as 'one step back for three steps forward.'

It can be viewed as a kind of political act aimed at long-term politics. Among supporters, it can even be described as a beautiful decision.

On February 8, 2015, Moon Jae-in, then a member of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, who was elected as the new party leader, is delivering an acceptance speech at the 1st Regular National Delegate Conference held at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Songpa-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

For example, President Moon Jae-in announced in February 2015 that he would not run in the next general election when he ran for the leadership of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy.

At that time, President Moon said, "I will stake my political life on saving the party. If I ultimately fail to save the party, the era of politician Moon Jae-in will end there," and added, "If I become the leader, I will not run in the next general election."

The pledges he made when running for party leader included △ becoming the strongest party leader △ dismantling pro-Roh factions and resolving factional disputes △ abolishing nominations based on party leader or faction △ decentralizing authority within the party.

This was evaluated inside and outside the party as a strong will for innovation. Through the conditional declaration of not running in the general election, he gained an image of 'political innovation.'

Experts emphasize that politicians live on the 'trust' of the people and can become 'political operators' in an instant. A political commentator advised, "From the politicians' perspective, resignations and such are the result of doing their best," but added, "However, if they appear to prioritize party interests and strategies during the process, they may be seen not as politicians but as political operators."