Kim Yongmin, Former "Naneun Ggomsuda" Member, Criticizes Kim Eojun
"Now Aiming for 'President Cho Kuk'... His Intentions Can No Longer Be Hidden"
"Regrettable to See Him Still Clinging to Kingmaker Games"
Kim Yongmin, chairman of the Peace Tree Foundation and a former member of "Naneun Ggomsuda" alongside broadcaster Kim Eojun, criticized Kim by stating, "'President Cho Kuk' is his goal," and added, "His intentions have reached a point where they can no longer be concealed." On the 18th, Kim Yongmin wrote on his social media, "Looking back, Kim Eojun, the chief of Ddanzi Ilbo, was someone who enjoyed playing the role of 'kingmaker.' When he interviewed Moon Jaein, then-chairman of the Roh Moo Hyun Foundation, for the foundation's 2010 New Year's newsletter, he persistently asked, 'Have you ever thought about entering politics?'"
Kim Yongmin continued, "Even before that, during the state funeral for President Roh Moo Hyun, when Baek Wonwoo protested to former President Lee Myungbak (MB), Moon Jaein personally approached MB and bowed his head. Kim Eojun called this 'the attitude demanded by the times' and promoted Moon as the next leader. This entire plan was Kim Eojun's creation." He added, "In my estimation, after Moon Jaein, Kim Eojun had Yoon Sukyeol in mind. During the height of the 'Protect Cho Kuk' rallies, he appeared on the Roh Moo Hyun Foundation's YouTube channel and presented a narrative likening Moon Jaein to the 'father' and Yoon Sukyeol to the 'son.' However, Yoon Sukyeol ultimately crossed the Jordan River," implying he left the political stage.
He went on, "At that time, Cho Kuk was a discarded figure. But ahead of the 22nd general election, Kim Eojun brought him back. Abandoning the 'all-in' theory for the Democratic Party, he advocated for 'diversified investment,' and ultimately, a party bearing Cho Kuk's name won 12 seats. This, too, was Kim Eojun's work." He added, "Now, the goal has become 'President Cho Kuk.' His intentions have reached a point where they can no longer be hidden."
He further commented, "In that context, Lee Jaemyung is someone who has risen to this point entirely by his own efforts, untouched by Kim Eojun or anyone else. Perhaps that's why Kim Eojun tried to continue his kingmaker role by leveraging Moon Jaein as a foundation and bundling Cho Kuk with him."
Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, is paying respects at the burial site of former President Kim Daejung at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News
Kim Yongmin stated, "But is there really any need for that now? Kim Eojun is already an unparalleled, renowned speaker. That alone is more than enough," adding, "There are so many other joys in life, yet it is regrettable to see him still clinging to his kingmaker games."
Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, who was recently pardoned and reinstated on Liberation Day, said in an interview on the YouTube channel "Kim Eojun's Humility Is Hard News Factory" that "in any case, it is clear that I will seek the people's choice in June next year," expressing his intention to run in either the local elections or a parliamentary by-election next year. He added, "I have not yet decided where I will run, but I must present my views to the public, including the points for which I have been criticized, and seek their political decision. The legal issues have been resolved, and I want to seek a political mandate again."
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