Won Hee-ryong, Following Lee Jae-myung to Geyang?… Voices Divided Within the Democratic Party

Kim Byung-min "Rumor-based claims are not desirable"
Jang Ye-chan "Won Hee-ryong, grateful if you step up"

With next year's general election approaching, the question of whether minister-level figures such as Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Choo Kyung-ho, and Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik will be drafted for the election has become a topic of interest. Amid this, there are rumors that Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, a former politician, may run for the Gyeyang-eul district. It is understood that this move is aimed at targeting Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, but opinions within the ruling party are divided on this issue.

On the 20th, Kim Byung-min, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, said on YTN's 'News & Issue,' "The claim that 'Minister Won is going to Gyeyang to catch Lee Jae-myung' seems to be a 'hearsay'-type assertion, and personally, I do not think it is very desirable," expressing his view.

Earlier, some media outlets cited political sources reporting that Minister Won had decided to run in Gyeyang-eul in next year's general election to counter Lee Jae-myung. However, this is said to be nothing more than a 'hearsay'-type claim.

Supreme Council Member Kim said, "These claims are based on anonymous sources, and I think it might just be an expression meaning that Minister Won is willing to run in a tough district," adding, "Lee Jae-myung has no ties or justification in Incheon Gyeyang-eul. However, it is meaningless for key figures in the People Power Party to explore the possibility of running in a way that would give Lee Jae-myung a justification by saying, 'I will go catch him.'"

Former Supreme Council Member Kim Yong-tae also said on BBS's 'Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal' that "(It is) a matter for the minister to decide, but I do not want to recommend it," adding, "There should be some meaning to a so-called 'assassin nomination,' but in the case of Minister Won, there are various opinions. He is a valuable asset to our party and a future presidential candidate, so I question whether it is right for him to be consumed in this way."

He continued, "Rather than going to Gyeyang-eul, it would be better for him to choose a constituency linked to the metropolitan area, such as Seoul or Gyeonggi Province, even though Incheon is part of the metropolitan area. As Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, he has shown interest in new town issues, so choosing a constituency connected to such areas would give him justification," he added.

On the other hand, Jang Ye-chan, Youth Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, said on Channel A's 'News A Live,' "If a heavyweight and well-known figure like Minister Won willingly steps forward, it is very appreciated by the party," adding, "Gyeyang-eul is a district with many issues related to transportation, including connections with Gimpo Airport. The candidacy of a former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport with expertise in transportation and real estate issues could be welcomed," expressing a positive view.

Jo Jung-hoon, a member of the Transition Korea party who joined the People Power Party, also said, "If Minister Won says he will fight a fierce battle with Lee Jae-myung in one of the most difficult districts, Gyeyang-eul, the younger party members will inevitably say, 'Thank you, we will work hard to support you,'" adding, "I think this could be the best example of sacrifice and putting the party before oneself."