'Sachun Controversy' Kim Kyung-yul, Not Running in General Election... "Committed to Role as Emergency Committee Member" (Summary)

Kim Kyung-yul, an emergency response committee member of the People Power Party who was embroiled in the 'private recommendation (Sacheon) controversy,' has announced that he will not run for office.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 4th, Kim stated on Facebook, "I will not run in the 22nd general election," adding, "This is my decision made after careful consideration for the victory of our party in the general election."

Kim said, "I will faithfully fulfill my role as an emergency response committee member for the victory in the April 10 general election, including the Seoul Mapo-eul constituency."

Earlier, Han Dong-hoon, the emergency response committee chairman, announced Kim’s candidacy for Mapo-eul at the Seoul City Party’s New Year meeting on the 17th of last month. This sparked the 'Sacheon controversy' within some circles of the ruling party and became one of the conflict factors between the Presidential Office and Chairman Han.

After the controversy surrounding Kim escalated, it was reported that President Yoon requested Chairman Han’s resignation, intensifying the conflict. There were also rumors within the ruling party’s core that Kim’s resignation was desired.

Jang Dong-hyuk, the secretary-general and member of the nomination management committee, met with reporters at the Yeouido party headquarters in the afternoon and said about Kim’s announcement not to run, "I understand there was no prior discussion with the party," and evaluated it as "a decision that most helps the victory in the general election."

When asked whether Kim’s withdrawal means the resolution of the conflict between the party and the government, Secretary-General Jang replied, "It is completely different from that kind of issue."

Regarding the possibility of Kim being given a priority recommendation (strategic nomination) in the future nomination process, he answered, "According to the nomination criteria, even those who have not applied can be given priority recommendation, but the most important thing is the individual's intention."

Meanwhile, Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party representing Mapo-eul, wrote on Facebook, "Is Mapo-eul Andong Station? Is it that you won’t come or can’t come, People Power Party?" and added, "Don’t cowardly send someone else, 'You come, Han Dong-hoon!'" This was a parody mocking the lyrics of singer Jin Sung’s hit song "Andong Station."