Kim Tae-ho After Interview, Veteran of Running in Hometown... "No Binary Thinking on Tough Districts"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Tae-ho insisted on running in his hometown even after the interview screening by the Future United Party's nomination management committee on the 20th.

After finishing the party nomination committee interview held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that afternoon, Kim told reporters, "The first question was whether I had decided to run in my hometown, and I reiterated that my intention to run in the current constituency is firm."

He said, "The Moon Jae-in administration's way of governing is really precarious and worrisome. My concern for the party and this country is no different," adding, "However, I mentioned that the timing and methods of implementation may differ, and that the depth of trust in the people of my hometown is more precious than any other cause." This emphasized once again that he has no intention of giving up his will to run in his hometown.

Kim said, "If I give up the hope of running in Changwon Seongsan or other areas, whether it be Busan, Ulsan, or Gyeongnam, or anywhere nationwide, I also expressed my determination to devote myself fully to winning the general election," and added, "At the nomination committee, some people said that Kim Tae-ho has always been challenging and willingly accepted when the party was in difficulty, but there are some regrets."

However, he stated, "We must also judge that public sentiment goes beyond political engineering, and there is a natural order," and "If you do not run in a difficult district, it is not being loyal to the party, and if you run, it should not be applied with a dichotomous logic that thinks differently." Regarding the situation where he will compete with incumbent lawmaker Kang Seok-jin from the same party, he expressed confidence, saying, "I will be evaluated according to the primary election rules."

Regarding his future if his hometown nomination is rejected, Kim said, "I am someone who has never left the party even once. I have not considered running as an independent," but left room for possibility by adding, "My position will be determined according to the nomination committee's decision."