[General Election Challengers]⑨ "Declining Halo Effect"... 'Political Gold Spoon' Candidates Appear

YS grandson Kim In-gyu and 'No' son-in-law Kwak Sang-eon appear
Successive politicians "No intention to receive halo effect"
Criticism of 'hereditary nomination' for baseless candidacy

Editor's NoteThe political landscape for the 22nd general election has officially opened. Public sentiment remains shrouded in uncertainty. Unexpected variables have emerged, such as the assault on Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. The ruling and opposition parties are rapidly moving into the candidate nomination phase. Voters are observing the nomination process to judge whether reform is underway. They are evaluating the 'direction' and 'figures' that political parties aim for. Political parties do not only innovate; sometimes they regress. Since this election is about choosing representatives for the next four years, it is crucial to scrutinize the candidates carefully. We have compiled candidates by major fields and generations: ① Presidential Office ② Bureaucrats ③ Legal and Police ④ Military ⑤ Incumbent Face-offs ⑥ Old Boys (OB) ⑦ 20s and 30s Generation ⑧ Senior Lawmakers ⑨ Politicians of the 2nd and 3rd Generation

There are also 'silver spoons' in politics. These are politicians of the 2nd or 3rd generation who aim to enter Yeouido by following in the footsteps of their predecessors. In this April 10 general election, challengers include sons, grandsons, and sons-in-law of former presidents. While some say they are relying on 'political halo effects,' these candidates often face stricter scrutiny than others. If they fail to persuade voters with their own colors and political visions, they face criticism of 'hereditary nominations.' We take a look at politicians of the 2nd and 3rd generation who have expressed ambitions to surpass their fathers or grandfathers.

'YS Grandson' Kim In-gyu, a Young Politician Growing Step by Step

First, from the People Power Party, former Presidential Office administrator Kim In-gyu has declared his candidacy in Busan's Seo and Dong districts. As the grandson of the late former President Kim Young-sam (YS), he is challenging the constituency where his grandfather served seven terms during his lifetime.

Politically, he could be considered the ultimate 'silver spoon,' but former administrator Kim has steadily built experience from the ground up. In 2017, he took his first step into Yeouido as an unpaid intern in the office of Jeong Byeong-guk, a Bareun Party lawmaker at the time. He then served as a political secretary to the Speaker of the National Assembly, gaining solid political training. In the last general election, he assisted People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Young-se in the campaign, and during the presidential election, he worked alongside candidate Yoon Seok-youl through both the primary and general elections. Afterwards, he worked as an administrator in the Presidential Office, gaining experience in the executive branch and growing into a young politician.

Kim In-gyu, Former Presidential Office Administrator [Photo by Yonhap News]

In a phone interview with Asia Economy, former administrator Kim criticized, "Every time a session ends, the common criticism is that 'this National Assembly was the worst ever.'" He added, "Watching the 21st National Assembly handle livelihood bills and budgets, all I remember is political strife." He continued, "To change this reality, institutional reform is urgently needed. I hope that in the 22nd National Assembly, the entrenched activist faction holding power will step down, and new forces will come in to change the political culture."

When asked about running in a constituency without direct ties, he explained, "It is a decision to repay a debt of gratitude." He said he started his activities in Busan following advice from President Yoon Seok-youl. "Local residents have a positive view of my grandfather but often express regret that Seo and Dong districts remain old downtown areas," he said. "I will lead the development of Seo and Dong districts, which have been neglected for over 30 years, addressing the areas my grandfather could not care for in detail," he declared.

'No Political Halo' Gwak Sang-eon, Son-in-law of 'Roh': "I Will Be Chosen Without Political Favor"

Gwak Sang-eon, Democratic Party of Korea, Jongno District Committee Chairman

From the Democratic Party of Korea, lawyer Gwak Sang-eon, son-in-law of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, has entered the race. He is running in Seoul Jongno, known as the 'political first district,' where he has served as a local party chairman. After losing in the last general election in the Chungbuk Boeun, Okcheon, Yeongdong, and Goesan district, he served as vice president of the Democratic Research Institute, the party's think tank, focusing on policy research. During the presidential election, he served as spokesperson for the election campaign committee of candidate Lee Jae-myung.

When asked about being a '2nd or 3rd generation politician,' lawyer Gwak firmly drew a line, saying, "I accept it as an unavoidable fate, but I do not intend to do politics in that way." He emphasized that he does not expect to rely on 'political halo effects' when seeking voters' choice. In 2021, when competition among Democratic Party presidential hopefuls intensified over 'legitimacy,' he publicly stated, "Please let go of Roh Moo-hyun in the election," expressing his sincere opinion.

This resolve is reflected in his choice to run in Jongno. Considering his relationship with former President Roh, it is a decision closer to a 'difficult path' than a 'flower path.' He must face former Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee, classified as 'pro-Lee Jae-myung faction,' and former lawmaker Lee Jong-gul, grandson of independence activist Lee Hoe-young, who served five terms in Manan, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. From the People Power Party, incumbent lawmaker Choi Jae-hyung and challenger Ha Tae-kyung are also contesting.

Lawyer Gwak pointed out, "Jongno has been politically sacrificed due to parachute nominations from both ruling and opposition parties." He added, "Issues like population decline and regional discrimination, which are actual local concerns, remain unresolved." He pledged, "I will inherit the 'Roh spirit' not as Roh Moo-hyun's son-in-law but as Gwak Sang-eon. I will pursue politics that achieve a world where basic living conditions are equal and national prosperity and people's welfare (Gukri Minbok) are realized."

Harsh Views on 'Unjustified Candidacies'... Criticism of 'Hereditary' Nominations

Kim Hong-gul, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea Photo by Yonhap News

Although each candidate denies relying on their predecessor's 'political halo,' there remain unfavorable views in the political world toward candidates running as successors. Especially, there is criticism of 'unjustified candidacies' when candidates run in areas with no ties.

One example is Kim Hong-gul, son of the late former President Kim Dae-jung (DJ) and a Democratic Party proportional representative lawmaker, who recently declared his candidacy in Seoul Gangseo-gap. Initially expected to run in Mokpo, Jeonnam, he drew criticism when asked if he had any ties to Gangseo-gap, replying, "I cannot say I have deep ties, but Seoul is one constituency." The incumbent he faces is first-term lawmaker Kang Seon-woo, the party spokesperson.

Moon Seok-gyun, son of former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang and head of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation's Uijeongbu branch, is also running. He declared his candidacy in Uijeongbu-gap, Gyeonggi Province, after Democratic Party lawmaker Oh Young-hwan announced he would not run. In the last general election, Moon also declared his candidacy in his father's constituency, Uijeongbu-gap, but amid controversy over 'dad's chance,' he ran as an independent and was ultimately defeated. At that time, Moon Hee-sang appeared on Moon's YouTube channel doing a 'mukbang,' which drew criticism.

Moon Seok-gyun, Chairman of the Uijeongbu Branch of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation Photo by Yonhap News

It has not been uncommon for 'political silver spoons' to inherit their predecessors' constituencies. Democratic Party lawmaker Roh Woong-rae, who served four terms in Seoul Mapo-gap, is an example of inheriting his father's constituency. His father, former lawmaker Roh Seung-hwan, served five terms as a lawmaker and two terms as district mayor there. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-ho, re-elected in Seoul Seodaemun, is also the son of former lawmaker Kim Sang-hyun, who served six terms in Seoul Seodaemun-gap and Gwangju Buk-gap.

There are also lawmakers in the ruling party who inherited their father's 'golden badge.' Three-term People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won, who announced he would not run in this election, is the son of former lawmaker Jang Seong-man, who served four terms in Busan Buk-gu. Dongseo University, founded by Jang Seong-man, is located in his son's constituency, Busan Sasang. Five-term lawmaker Jeong Jin-seok (Chungnam Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang) is the son of former lawmaker Jeong Seok-mo, who served six terms in Gongju, Chungnam.