Baek Jae-wook, Former Cheong Wa Dae Administrator, Leaves Democratic Party to Run as Independent

Taking off the blue jumper, changing into a white jumper

Former Senior Secretary to the Blue House Baek Jae-wook has left the Democratic Party of Korea and announced his independent candidacy for the Yeongam-Muan-Shinan electoral district.

On the morning of the 15th at 10:30 a.m., Baek held a press conference at the briefing room of the Jeonnam Provincial Council, stating, "Despite having undergone personnel screening by the Blue House and having registered as a preliminary candidate and participated in the primary during the last general election, the Democratic Party blocked my candidacy this time for reasons that were neither fair nor just (by deeming me an unqualified candidate)." He added, "I could not accept the reason why it was allowed then but not now, so I decided to leave the party and run as an independent."

Baek Jae-wook, a preliminary candidate, is taking off a blue jumper symbolizing the Democratic Party and changing into a white jumper representing an independent during a press conference.
[Photo by Reader Provided]

He also said, "In my 20s, as a party official, I shared the tears and joys, divisions and unifications of the Democratic Party through the governments of the People’s Government, the Participatory Government, and the Moon Jae-in administration, and I never left the party even once. However, for this general election, I am running as an independent in response to the call of the local people." He continued, "I will judge corrupt politicians who incite conflict and division and, through righteous solidarity, definitely win and return to the new Democratic Party."

He presented pledges including revitalizing Muan Airport, creating a tourist special zone around Wolchulsan Mountain, attracting new industries to the Daebul Industrial Complex, turning the F1 racetrack into a tourist attraction, and establishing a renewable energy specialized industrial complex in Shinan.

Meanwhile, during the press conference, prospective candidate Baek Jae-wook took off the blue jumper symbolizing the Democratic Party and changed into a white jumper representing an independent.