Kim Jaewon: "Yu Youngha has secured a residence in Hong's district... Uncertain about unification"

"I think unification is impossible due to different reasons for running and goals for Daegu mayor"

Kim Jae-won, former Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Woo-seok] Former People Power Party Supreme Council member Kim Jae-won on the 15th criticized attorney Yoo Young-ha, a competitor in the Daegu mayoral primary, saying, "There are various rumors about him residing in the constituency of Assemblyman Hong Joon-pyo."

On the same day, Kim appeared on TBS Radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' and responded to the host's question, "You mentioned in an interview that it was strange that Yoo Young-ha recently found a house. What did you mean by that?" by saying, "There are many stories during elections in the region. There are various rumors," adding, "The point was that attorney Yoo Young-ha is residing in Suseong-gu, which is farthest from former President Park Geun-hye's residence and is Assemblyman Hong Joon-pyo's constituency, and that this has sparked various rumors."

When asked by the host, "Does that mean (if Yoo does not become mayor) he aims for the by-election for that seat (Hong's constituency)?" Kim replied, "Such stories are common in the region," but added, "How can I know his true intentions?"

Assemblyman Hong Joon-pyo must resign from his parliamentary seat if he is selected as the final candidate in the Daegu mayoral primary announced on the 23rd. If he resigns by April 30, a by-election for the Daegu Suseong parliamentary seat will be held simultaneously with the June 1 local elections.

Meanwhile, regarding the possibility of unification with attorney Yoo, former council member Kim said, "Unification requires a common goal, but it is questionable whether such a goal exists now," and drew a line by saying, "Since the reasons for running for Daegu mayor and their aspirations differ, I think unification itself is impossible."

He added, "I believe I am the most suitable person who can address Daegu's current issues under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and work cooperatively with President Yoon," and stated, "I do not know whether attorney Yoo Young-ha has made such a judgment or how he plans to carry out the mayoral duties, so I see no possibility of unification on that matter."