Geum Tae-seop Declares Candidacy for Seoul Jongno... "I Will Change Korea with the Power of Jongno"

Hope for Opening the Path to Third-Party Unification with Candidacy Declaration

Geum Tae-seop, the representative of Saeroun Selection, declared on the 6th that he will run for the National Assembly in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Representative Geum stated, "Jongno is a place worthy of a new leap beyond the tedious two-party system," adding, "With the power of Jongno, I will change our politics and our country, the Republic of Korea."

On the same day, Representative Geum said at a press conference at the National Assembly, "Ahead of the 22nd general election, I will run as a candidate for the National Assembly in Jongno."

Geum Tae-seop, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the New Choice Party. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

He emphasized, "When politics is turbulent and chaotic, Jongno has always played the role of the country's rudder without losing its center. It is also Jongno that nurtured Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Lee Myung-bak, who had no regional ties," adding, "Jongno embraces both the progressive candlelight and the conservative Taegeukgi. Jongno is not anyone's stronghold. Here, neither progressives nor conservatives feel out of place."

Representative Geum also expressed his determination for regular reform and his efforts so far. He said, "Since becoming a politician, I have always wanted to change our politics," and added, "Although I have many shortcomings, I have kept my beliefs and promises." Regarding his party, Saeroun Selection, he introduced it as "the most thoroughly prepared third-zone party pursuing political innovation," and explained, "It is a gathering of conservatives who know how to criticize and progressives who know how to reflect, deeply contemplating and preparing policies."

He also expressed hope that this declaration of candidacy would serve as a catalyst for the unification of the third zone. He said, "To keep pace with the people's aspirations, I believed that the correct order was to complete the framework of the third zone first before declaring my candidacy," and added, "If today's declaration becomes the starting point for unification discussions, I would have no further wishes. Going forward, I will continue to act as a coordinator and mediator to present a united third zone."