Lee Nak-yeon and Im Jong-seok "Appear Unlikely to Run"
Urging Senior Party Figures to "Actively Participate in the Election"
Kim Nam-guk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, revealed that he met with former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil to discuss the Seoul mayoral election. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Kim Nam-guk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said that former leader Song Young-gil showed his intention to run for Seoul mayor, adding, "He showed a resolute will to willingly take the poisoned chalice."
On the 31st, Kim revealed in an interview on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that he met with former leader Song and discussed the upcoming June 1 local elections.
Kim said, "The elections in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province are very important. In the case of the Gyeonggi governor, there are many candidates, but for Seoul mayor, there is no one except Representative Park Ju-min," adding, "I asked our party's senior lawmakers to run to create a primary election boom and to help discover competitive candidates."
Regarding former leader Song's response, Kim said, "He mainly listened carefully. It seemed that the decision was not his alone," but added, "It did not seem like he was saying he would not run. If he has to take the poisoned chalice himself, he showed a resolute will to do so willingly." Kim also added that Song's intention was that the party should evaluate the suitability and competitiveness among various candidates and make the decision.
The host then asked Kim about former leader Lee Nak-yeon and former presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok, who are also mentioned as potential Democratic Party candidates for Seoul mayor alongside former leader Song.
In response, Kim said, "In the case of former leader Lee, there have been reports that he has already booked a ticket to the United States, so I think the realistic possibility is very low," and added, "I understand that former chief Im's chances are also low; it is not easy." He again emphasized, "Senior party members should actively run in the election to create a primary election boom."
Additionally, regarding the nomination for Seoul mayor if former leader Song runs, Kim stated, "The principle is that it should go through a primary election," and added, "(Former leader Song) should have that determination."
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