Open Democratic Party Seoul mayoral candidate Kim Jin-ae (right), who declared her resignation from the National Assembly, and former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom, who is expected to succeed her position, are being interviewed by the press at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 3rd. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Bae Hyunjin, the floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, sharply criticized former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom, who is scheduled to succeed Kim Jin-ae, a member of the Open Democratic Party, in the proportional representation seat, saying, "If you fear the people, you should rightly refuse to succeed the proportional representation seat."
In a statement on the afternoon of the 3rd, Floor Spokesperson Bae said, "Who is Kim Eui-gyeom, who is taking over employment due to Kim Jin-ae's resignation? Isn't he the very person who sparked public outrage by demonstrating a miraculous feat of 'using connections → boldly borrowing 1.6 billion won in loans → real estate speculation with official residence,' earning nearly 900 million won in capital gains?"
He continued, "Although the war against real estate speculation was declared, the shameless Moon Jae-in administration turns a blind eye to speculation allegations if it's 'our side' and helps them keep their positions," adding, "The proportional representation system, which is supposed to utilize expertise in various fields to serve the people, has been reduced to a 'towel game' where 'you take it once, I take it once'."
He further stated, "The entire nation is in despair and anger over the remarkable achievements of Heukseok teacher, a 'definite Moon Jae-in supporter' who succeeded in the real estate lottery, took a break, and then became a member of the National Assembly, catching two birds with one stone," and said, "I burst out laughing at the excited comment, 'Now it feels real.'"
In the past, former spokesperson Kim resigned amid controversy over 'real estate speculation' after purchasing a commercial building in Heukseok-dong, Seoul, scheduled for redevelopment, for over 2.5 billion won while serving at the Blue House in 2018.
Floor Spokesperson Bae said, "Whether he is clueless or inherently shameless, if he fears the people, he should rightly refuse to succeed the proportional representation seat," and claimed, "The people are watching the definite 'Moon Jae-in supporters' who keep revolving through revolving doors and enjoy key positions. They will surely be judged in the upcoming election."
Kim Jin-ae, a member of the Open Democratic Party who declared her candidacy for the Seoul mayoral by-election, announced that she would complete the resignation process by the 8th to run for mayor. With Kim's resignation, former spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom, next in line, will succeed the seat.
Former Blue House spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom held a press conference at the National Assembly with Kim Jin-ae the day before and said, "I received a call from Representative Kim the night before last to prepare, but I didn't realize it. Now that I stand before you, it finally feels real," adding, "It seems to be the first time in constitutional history that a sitting member of the National Assembly has willingly resigned for unification."
Regarding questions about real estate speculation, he replied, "Today, I came as an aide to candidate Kim Jin-ae," and said, "There will be another opportunity to explain my issues separately."
Former spokesperson Kim was nominated for the Jeonbuk Gunsan constituency by the Democratic Party of Korea during last year's general election but failed to pass the eligibility screening due to real estate speculation allegations. He later declared he would not run but then ran as a proportional representative candidate for the Open Democratic Party.
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