Choi Kyung-hwan (69), former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, known as the "Pro-Park Faction Leader," held a press conference at 11 a.m. on the 29th at Gyeongsan Station Plaza in downtown Gyeongsan to announce his independent candidacy for the 22nd general election in Gyeongsan.
Choi, the former Deputy Prime Minister, stated, "I was not guaranteed the opportunity to participate in the primary by the People Power Party's nomination committee, which ignored the public sentiment of Gyeongsan," and explained the reason for running as an independent: "Now, I will stake my entire political career and go into the wilderness trusting only the citizens of Gyeongsan."
Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Choi Kyung-hwan is declaring his independent candidacy at Gyeongsan Station.
He continued, "Since entering politics to change the economy, I have worked with all my strength for the development of Gyeongsan and the South Korean economy, serving as the lawmaker with the highest votes nationwide, a four-term member of the National Assembly, floor leader of the ruling party, minister, and deputy prime minister," adding, "Together with the citizens of Gyeongsan, I will once again restart the development of Gyeongsan."
Choi recalled, "Since entering politics, I have thrown myself forward whenever the party faced a crisis," referring to his voluntary withdrawal from the 2012 presidential election campaign and his decision not to run in the 2016 party leadership election despite being the top candidate in suitability, prioritizing party unity.
He also expressed his reflections, saying, "During turbulent times and political retaliation, there were difficult and challenging moments, but I silently took political responsibility, blaming myself for failing to protect the president and losing power."
On the same morning, he paid respects at the Gyeongsan City Memorial Tower and completed his preliminary candidate registration at the Gyeongsan City Election Commission.
Choi passed the civil service exam and began his public service career in 1980, working in economic departments for 20 years. He served as Minister of Knowledge Economy under President Lee Myung-bak and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance during President Park Geun-hye’s administration. Choi is considered a core figure of the "Pro-Park" faction or the "Pro-Park Faction Leader."
In 2018, he was sentenced to five years in prison for involvement in the National Intelligence Service special activity funds bribery case and was paroled in February 2022. He was also granted a special pardon by President Yoon Suk-yeol. He has been elected as a member of the National Assembly four times in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
