Democratic Party Gangseo-gap Primary Stuck in the 'Joguk' Quagmire

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The confrontation between Geum Tae-seop, a Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker who has voiced critical opinions on the 'Cho Kuk incident,' and Kim Nam-guk, a lawyer and author of the 'Cho Kuk White Paper,' is becoming increasingly sharp. The DPK's nomination race in Seoul Gangseo-gap district still seems unable to escape the 'Cho Kuk' quagmire.

On the 18th, Geum told reporters at the National Assembly, "This general election cannot be fought as a 'Protect Cho Kuk' election. I will block it for the sake of our party." He openly targeted Kim, who has actively defended former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk as a member of the 'Cho Kuk White Paper Promotion Committee.'

Earlier, the DPK's nomination management committee designated Geum's constituency, Gangseo-gap, as an additional nomination recruitment area. Subsequently, Kim, classified as a de facto recruit, expressed his intention to run in Gangseo-gap, sparking controversy that this might be a 'hitman nomination' aimed at excluding Geum. Since Kim has been regarded as a figure opposing Geum, who criticized the party during the 'Cho Kuk incident,' the controversy gradually escalated.

Geum said, "The appointment of former Minister Cho Kuk is already a past matter, and holding an election where 'Protect Cho Kuk' becomes an issue is neither forward-looking nor might it appear to voters as an arrogant stance that what we do is absolutely correct."

Following Geum's remarks, Kim abruptly canceled his press conference announcing his candidacy for Gangseo-gap. There was speculation that the party discouraged Kim's candidacy, but Kim soon clarified on Facebook, stating, "No one is shouting 'Protect Cho Kuk' in this election," reaffirming his intention to run. He sharpened his criticism at Geum, saying, "I believe it is not your primary election strategy to instill fear that the election will fail if it becomes a 'Protect Cho Kuk' election and to urge me to give up my candidacy."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, Kim posted on Facebook again, saying, "Don't cowardly hide behind the 'Protect Cho Kuk' frame," and urged, "Declare that we will compete in good faith together."

The off-stage verbal battle surrounding these two figures continues. On the 18th, Yoo Si-min, director of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, said on the YouTube channel 'Alileo,' "That (running in Gangseo-gap) is not wise even for lawyer Kim personally," and pointed out, "A newcomer should go and face the tough incumbent from the Korean Party."

In response, Son Hye-won, an independent lawmaker close to Kim, countered on Facebook, "I really ask because I don't know. Did lawyer Kim decide on his own and enter the Gangseo-gap primary? If a newcomer chooses a tough district, does the Democratic Party willingly send them there?"

As the sharp verbal exchanges continue, analysis suggests that the Gangseo-gap primary has already solidified into a 'Pro-Cho Kuk vs. Anti-Cho Kuk' framework. If the Cho Kuk incident is reexamined in the general election, it will be a considerable burden for the ruling party.

Voices also point to the party leadership as bearing the greatest responsibility for this conflict. It is said that the leadership is caught between a rock and a hard place, trying to appease the pro-Moon Jae-in core supporters backing Kim without taking decisive action.

In fact, the party leadership seems to be stepping back from the controversy rather than managing it. On the same day, Seol Hoon, a senior member of the DPK, said in a radio interview, "There is a misunderstanding that the party forced lawyer Kim Nam-guk to leave, but that is not true at all." He also said that he understands party leader Lee Hae-chan told Geum not to have such misunderstandings.

Seol said, "Kim had a slightly different position from Geum, so he said he would challenge to prove he was right. The party never told him to go out and run."