Bar Association President Election Turns into Two-Way Race Between Kim Jeong-wook and An Byeong-hee... Geum Tae-seop Unifies Candidacy with An

Geum Tae-seop (58, Judicial Research and Training Institute class 24) and Ahn Byung-hee (63, Military Legal Officer class 7), who ran for the 53rd President of the Korean Bar Association, have agreed to unify their candidacies under Ahn Byung-hee. Accordingly, the upcoming presidential election on the 20th will be a two-way contest between Kim Jung-wook (46, Bar Exam class 2) and Ahn Byung-hee.

On the 13th, Ahn's side announced, "In the election for the 53rd President of the Korean Bar Association, candidate number 2 Ahn Byung-hee and candidate number 3 Geum Tae-seop have agreed to unify under candidate Ahn Byung-hee."

From the left, lawyers Kim Jeong-wook, Ahn Byung-hee, and Geum Tae-seop, candidates for the 53rd President of the Korean Bar Association election. Photo by Yonhap News.

They added, "On the 13th, candidates Ahn Byung-hee and Geum Tae-seop signed an agreement to unify their candidacies, making a magnanimous decision under the principle of preventing the privatization of the association by certain factions. After considerable discussions between the candidates, they decided to unify under candidate Ahn Byung-hee."

Ahn said, "I thank candidate Geum Tae-seop for making this difficult decision for the approximately 30,000 lawyer members nationwide," and added, "I will definitely win the election for the 53rd President of the Korean Bar Association and achieve a change in the executive leadership."

He continued, "I will devote all my efforts to improving the welfare and well-being of lawyers who are in desperate situations."

Geum said, "Yesterday, I agreed to unify with candidate Ahn Byung-hee, and each candidate's side gathered 150 electors and held an online vote today, but unfortunately, I lost," adding, "Many people have sincerely supported me, but I am very sorry and regretful that my campaign must end here due to my shortcomings. I will never forget the help I received this time and will repay it."

Geum also said, "I congratulate candidate Ahn Byung-hee on winning the primary," and "I sincerely hope that he will also win the general election and lead the Bar Association well."