Song Young-gil "How Can We Unite Our Strength?"
Kim Jin-ae "It's About Losing the Local Election"
Park Ju-min "At Least Let Us Take Action"
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Ahead of the June 1 local elections, as the 'Lee Nak-yeon draft theory' gains momentum within the Democratic Party of Korea, preliminary candidates running in the Seoul mayoral primary have opposed it, saying that 'primary election opportunities should be opened.' They argue that not only are fair opportunities not being provided to each candidate, but it also undermines the possibility of 'primary election excitement.'
Earlier, Song Young-gil, former Democratic Party leader who announced his candidacy for Seoul mayor, dismissed reports on the 15th on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that 'Senior Advisor Lee Jae-myung could personally plead with former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon to run for Seoul mayor,' saying, "Based on what I hear from the advisor's faction members, there is absolutely no chance of that happening."
He added, "If former leader Lee intends to run for Seoul mayor, he should clearly state his intention," expressing concern, "He would likely oppose it as well. How can we unite our strength if it's just a strategic nomination?"
Regarding the party's decision to effectively make the Seoul mayoral primary a strategic nomination, he raised his voice, saying, "If you exclude candidates without even giving them a chance to compete, how can this party generate energy? Isn't this politically equivalent to Song Young-gil's death? Will the public accept this?"
He also mentioned the advisor's support base, asserting, "Whether it's a by-election or this local election campaign committee, the advisor must step up and unite forces to create momentum for victory in this local election."
Former lawmaker Kim Jin-ae, a competing candidate, said on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the same day, "After the strategic nomination decision, there has been significant rejection and backlash from party members and supporters." She cited reasons similar to former leader Song, saying it was "to exclude certain individuals," and like former leader Lee, "to include certain individuals." Kim pointed out, "This is a huge problem because it is very undesirable for them and makes the Democratic Party appear unjust even to those outside the party."
When asked whether former leader Lee should go through a primary if he runs, she replied, "Of course," adding, "Neither Song Young-gil nor Kim Jin-ae can gain competitiveness or receive party members' support with a single nomination." She continued, "The very idea of an endorsement is outdated and completely returns to an old-fashioned image," arguing, "For the Democratic Party, this is tantamount to conceding the local elections, so a primary is absolutely necessary."
Democratic Party lawmaker Park Joo-min said on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' regarding former leader Lee, "When I ask some people around him, I hear more often that he does not have such intentions." He added, "He is in a situation where he cannot do much because the area has been designated as a strategic district," and stated, "The method is not important; I just hope he is allowed to move."
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