[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 20th, Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on the clash between Assemblyman Geum Tae-seop and lawyer Kim Nam-guk, saying, "I will consider ways to ensure that these two valuable talents can be used meaningfully." This is interpreted as his direct intervention to manage the controversy, which intensified as the party showed signs of internal strife centered around these two figures.
Kim Seong-hwan, chief secretary to the party leader, conveyed this message from Lee during a meeting with reporters at the National Assembly on the same day.
Kim said, "Leader Lee regards both Assemblyman Geum Tae-seop and lawyer Kim Nam-guk as precious assets of our party," adding, "Although he is not sure what the exact method will be, he is contemplating ways to utilize both excellently."
Regarding former Assemblyman Jeong Bong-ju, who has been defending lawyer Kim after Kim was judged 'ineligible as a candidate' during the Seoul Gangseo-gap nomination process, Kim Seong-hwan explained that Leader Lee did not make any separate remarks.
In political circles, there is speculation that the party might relocate one of the two?either Assemblyman Geum or lawyer Kim?to another electoral district to prevent the conflict from spreading. It is known that Leader Lee met with Assemblyman Geum in the morning to discuss the situation.
However, there is a strong possibility that hardline supporters will oppose such a measure, so the controversy is unlikely to subside easily. Additionally, the party is burdened by the fact that the 'Cho Kuk issue' could spread to other constituencies, further escalating the controversy.
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