Kim Tae-heum: "No Special Treatment in Strategic Nomination... Requested Chungnam Governor Primary to the Party Committee"

"Withdrawing from the Run for Floor Leader, Decided to Run with a Spirit of Sacrifice"
Avoid Words and Actions That Hurt the Party and Insult Political Decisions

Kim Tae-heum, member of the People Power Party. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Kim Tae-heum, a member of the People Power Party running for Governor of Chungnam Province, announced on the 10th that he has requested a primary election from the nomination management committee to finalize the candidate selection.

In a statement released that day, Kim said, "I understand that candidates preparing to run for Governor of Chungnam Province are requesting a primary election from the central party's nomination committee."

Earlier, on the 4th, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, and Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader, met Kim Tae-heum in person and asked him to run for Governor of Chungnam instead of floor leader. During this process, opposing candidates raised suspicions that Kim received special favors such as a strategic nomination. Kim emphasized, "I withdrew from running for floor leader at the strong request of the party, and with a spirit of putting the party first, I also gave up my parliamentary seat and decided to run for Governor of Chungnam. At no point during this process did I discuss or receive any conveniences or special favors such as a strategic nomination with the party leadership."

He added, "Since I myself requested the primary election, I ask other gubernatorial candidates to refrain from any remarks or actions that harm the party or insult my political decision."