The United Future Party's Nomination Conflict Ignites... Kim Moo-sung vs Lee Eon-ju Clash Over 'Busan Yeongdo'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Sharp tensions have erupted between Future United Party lawmakers Kim Moo-sung and Lee Eon-ju over the nomination for Busan Jung-gu and Yeongdo-gu. The 'nomination conflict' among participating factions ignited less than three days after the party's launch. Additionally, clashes over minor issues between lawmakers from the Liberty Korea Party and the New Conservative Party have sparked signs of internal strife.

On the 18th, Rep. Kim stated in an interview with a media outlet, "If the Constituency Candidate Nomination Committee (Nomination Committee) strategically nominates Rep. Lee Eon-ju for Busan Jung-gu and Yeongdo-gu, it is obvious that the local vote will be divided."

He added, "Chairman Kim Hyung-oh's remarks have caused a huge stir," and argued, "Currently, preliminary candidates Kwak Gyu-taek, Kang Seong-hoon, and Kim Eun-sook are running, and depriving them of the chance to compete in the primary is unjust."

The remarks by Chairman Kim that Rep. Kim referred to came from a past interview. At that time, Chairman Kim said, "It is unfair to make Rep. Lee Eon-ju, who has never run in Busan before, compete in a primary." Subsequently, speculation arose about Rep. Lee's strategic nomination for Jung-gu and Yeongdo-gu, and Rep. Lee herself revealed through the media that she had received a strategic nomination offer.

Rep. Kim said, "If a strategic nomination is made, the preliminary candidates will not remain silent," and added, "This election can only be won if it proceeds without division, and such an act goes against the spirit of unity."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response to Rep. Kim's claims, Rep. Lee Eon-ju immediately issued a rebuttal, stating, "Nomination issues fall under the jurisdiction of the Nomination Committee, and it is not a matter for someone who has withdrawn from running to meddle in."

She sharply criticized, "(Rep. Kim) has caused division within the conservative camp and greatly contributed to the current Moon Jae-in administration in South Korea," and said, "Someone who has completely dismantled the local area and ruined local public sentiment should not be talking about local sentiment." Rep. Lee also criticized, "The behavior of trying to engage in behind-the-scenes politics without even being a member of the Nomination Committee is a very serious old-fashioned political practice."

The conflict among factions participating in the United Party is not limited to 'nominations.' At the party's first parliamentary meeting the previous day, lawmakers from the New Conservative Party openly protested, accusing the Liberty Korea Party faction, which holds the largest share within the party, of acting as if it had 'absorbed and merged' the other party.

Lee Jun-seok, a Supreme Council member from the New Conservative Party, said in a radio interview, "I have doubts about whether (the United Party) is truly a strategy to maximize the conservative or moderate conservative camp," and added, "Although it is criticized as 'returning to Saenuri Party,' it is in a worse state than the old Saenuri Party."

The issue of employment succession for party officials has also not yet been resolved. Officials from the New Conservative Party insist that employment succession must be guaranteed since it is a newly merged party. However, officials from the Liberty Korea Party reportedly oppose this, citing the party's finances and the number of party staff as reasons.