Hwang Sang-mu Nominated as the People Power Party's Sole Candidate for Gangwon Province Governor... 'Kim Jin-tae Cut Off' (Update)

People Power Party Public Office Commission "Judges Kim Jin-tae's Past Remarks Hinder National Unity... Recommends Political Reflection Period"

Hwang Sang-mu, People Power Party Candidate for Governor of Gangwon Province

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The People Power Party's Nomination Management Committee decided on the 14th to single out Hwang Sang-mu, former KBS anchor, as the candidate for Governor of Gangwon Province. Former lawmaker Kim Jin-tae, who was considered a strong candidate, was cut off due to controversies over past remarks.

Kim Haeng, spokesperson for the Nomination Committee, announced in a briefing that "the People Power Party has decided to single out former anchor Hwang as the candidate for Governor of Gangwon Province."

Spokesperson Kim said, "There were two applicants for the primary (former anchor Hwang and former lawmaker Kim), but with one being cut off, the other was decided," adding, "This is not a strategic nomination."

He stated, "Former lawmaker Kim is a very valuable candidate for the party," but added, "Considering the new government's and our party's stance on national unity and progress for the future, some of his past remarks were deemed to hinder national unity, which led to this decision." Spokesperson Kim also said, "Since Kim is a very important candidate, the cut-off decision was made as a recommendation for a political reflection period."

Kim Jin-tae, People Power Party gubernatorial preliminary candidate for the June 1 local elections. / Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Spokesperson Kim acknowledged that there were concerns about whether the decision reflected the intentions of President-elect Yoon Seok-youl. He said, "It is true that there was some pressure and some committee members had concerns," adding, "From what we have gathered, if former anchor Hwang briefly helped in television debates, then by that logic all party members have some acquaintance with President-elect Yoon. According to our findings, former anchor Hwang has no personal connection with President-elect Yoon."

With the decision on the Gangwon Province governor candidate, the People Power Party has completed the selection of candidates for metropolitan and provincial governors.