People Power Party "National Assembly Member Kim Eui-gyeom, People Are Devastated"

Criticism in a statement by Hwang Gyu-hwan, the full-time deputy spokesperson of the People Power Party, on the 2nd

Former Blue House Spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] As Kim Jin-ae, a member of the Open Democratic Party and a preliminary candidate for Seoul mayor, announced her intention to resign from her parliamentary seat, former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom, who was number 4 on the proportional representation list, succeeded to the position, prompting strong criticism from the People Power Party.

On the 2nd, Hwang Gyu-hwan, the full-time deputy spokesperson of the People Power Party, stated in a commentary, "The people who have to watch Congressman Kim Eui-gyeom are devastated."

Deputy Spokesperson Hwang said, "No matter how much it is a legal succession of the parliamentary seat, following Congressman Choi Kang-wook, who was sentenced to eight months in prison in the first trial for issuing a false internship certificate, former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom, tainted by real estate speculation, has also become a member of the National Assembly," and pointed out, "Kim, who even coined the neologism 'Gwan-sa-jae-te-keu' (official residence real estate investment), gained nearly 900 million won in capital gains through preferential loans and real estate speculation."

He continued, "Without any shame, leaving behind the absurd catchphrase 'I didn't know because my wife did it,' and forcefully running for the general election, he eventually became a member of the National Assembly. The people, who have reached a point where they cannot even dream of owning a home due to this administration's real estate policies, are only left feeling hollow," and criticized, "It is a world where as long as you are loyal to the regime, no matter how illegal your actions or how much speculation you do, you become a member of the National Assembly."

Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly that morning and explained, "For the Democratic Party of Korea and the Open Democratic Party to win together, a faithful unification method is necessary, and the process must be interesting to the citizens of Seoul," adding, "To achieve a victorious unification, I am relinquishing my parliamentary seat."

Kim was number 1 on the Open Democratic Party's proportional representation candidate list. If Kim resigns, former spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom, who was number 4 on the proportional representation list in last year's general election, will succeed to the parliamentary seat.

Kim Jin-ae, the Open Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is answering questions from reporters after a press conference on the unification of Seoul mayoral candidates at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the 2nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@