Kim Jin-ae: "Apply Additional Points for Women in Primaries to Elect the First Female Seoul Mayor"

"Guarantee Primary Debates... Should Be Held Three Times, Not Just Once"

Former Open Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Jin-ae is holding a press conference to announce her candidacy for the Seoul mayoral election in the June 1st nationwide local elections at the National Assembly on the 30th of last month. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Former lawmaker Kim Jin-ae, a candidate in the Democratic Party's Seoul mayoral primary, demanded on the 24th that at least three primary debates be guaranteed along with the application of additional points for women.

In a post on Facebook that day, former lawmaker Kim said, "The Democratic Party's emergency committee should secure a fair competition opportunity for Kim Jin-ae, who has high public support but is politically disadvantaged, in the Seoul mayoral primary, and at the same time prepare measures to turn this into a chance for victory in the general election."

He pointed out, "By designating strategic districts for the Seoul mayoral race and mentioning candidates who have no intention of running, excluding registered candidates from the nomination, and urging the participation of certain individuals, the primary debates have been delayed, causing us to lose a precious ten days. It was a golden opportunity to widely reveal the true colors of the hasty Yoon Seok-yeol and the superficial Oh Se-hoon to the citizens."

He continued, "It is not too late now. The emergency committee should devise a primary method that maximizes the excitement of the three-candidate Seoul mayoral primary," and urged, "Please guarantee a fair competition opportunity for candidate Kim Jin-ae, who has high public support but is politically disadvantaged within the party."

Former lawmaker Kim emphasized, "Only a heated primary through straightforward methods can provide all candidates with a fair competition opportunity and secure a winning momentum for the general election through an exciting primary," adding, "I trust that the candidates' opinions will be respected when finalizing the primary method."

He also said, "Please guarantee primary debates. Not just once, but at least three times. Debates can be held not only on TV but also on YouTube and radio," adding, "Debates are the only way for citizens to judge the suitability and competitiveness of candidates, and it is an opportunity to see the Democratic Party in a new light."

He further criticized, "We must not make the mistake of fixing the primary schedule due to the resignation deadline of incumbent lawmakers," and said, "How can Seoul citizens trust and vote for a candidate who wants to keep their parliamentary seat, become the Seoul mayoral candidate, use this as a political exit opportunity, and try to increase their political influence?"

Additionally, former lawmaker Kim addressed Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Democratic Party's emergency committee, saying, "If you truly want the birth of the first female Seoul mayor, please advocate for the application of additional points for women in the primary. The People Power Party has applied 20%. What will be the Democratic Party's choice?"

He also said, "I consider it a great relief that the so-called 'Myung-Nak battle,' a factional fight, has been avoided due to former Minister Park Young-sun's withdrawal from the primary," adding, "I, Kim Jin-ae, am free from any faction or political group. The Democratic Party's most important goal is victory in the general election. I am ready to embrace and support all factions and political groups through victory in the Seoul mayoral general election."

Meanwhile, incumbent lawmakers must resign by the 30th to allow a by-election in their district to be held alongside the local elections on June 1. However, if the deadline is missed, the by-election will be postponed until April next year.

The Democratic Party's emergency committee currently plans to conduct the first round of voting, which is 100% based on national public opinion polls, over two days within the five-day period from the 26th to the 30th. If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff vote will be held over two days, and one TV debate will be held between the two finalists as a policy.