Chungbuk PPP Lawmakers Tell Jang: "Hold a Primary Instead of a Strategic Nomination"

Controversy Grows Over Chungbuk Governor Nomination Process
Um Taeyoung and Park Deokheum Meet with Representative Jang
Lee Junghyun: "We Will Keep All Options Open"

Lawmakers from the People Power Party representing the Chungbuk region met with People Power Party Chairman Jang Donghyuk to express their opinion that the nomination process for the Chungbuk governor should be conducted through a primary. They voiced concerns amid suspicions that the nomination could be carried out as a strategic nomination.

On the morning of March 18, Assemblyman Eom Taeyoung and Assemblyman Park Deokheum visited the party leader’s office at the National Assembly to hold a meeting with Chairman Jang regarding this issue.

People Power Party members Park Deokheum (right) and Eom Taeyoung, representing the Chungbuk constituency, are answering reporters' questions after meeting with Chairman Jang Donghyuk regarding the Chungbuk governor nomination at the National Assembly on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News

After the meeting, Assemblyman Park told reporters, “If it turns into a strategic nomination, it means defeat in what is already a difficult election. So I suggested that instead of a strategic nomination, the party should hold a primary so the winner can become the candidate.”

Assemblyman Eom also stated, “Since there was a candidate who registered during yesterday’s additional application period, there seem to be misunderstandings that the decision has already been made in favor of a certain side.” He conveyed that a primary is needed to dispel such misunderstandings.

Both inside and outside the party, suspicions have arisen that former Assemblywoman Kim Sumin, who submitted her application for the Chungbuk governor nomination yesterday, has in fact already been selected. Assemblyman Park said he conveyed his opinion that “it would be best to include everyone who applied during the additional period in the primary.”

According to the two lawmakers, Chairman Jang responded that he would “take these opinions very seriously” and “take them into consideration.” Assemblyman Eom remarked, “I understand that Chairman Jang is struggling with this decision.”

Regarding the controversy over whether the exclusion (cutoff) of the incumbent Chungbuk Governor Kim Younghwan from the nomination process was intentional, Assemblyman Eom explained, “After hearing the party leader’s opinion, I don’t think that was the case” and “there was no such intention.”

Assemblyman Eom also said, “Even though there are regional party chairs and multiple-term lawmakers in Chungbuk, it is very regrettable that the Nomination Committee made the cutoff decision without any consultation.”

Meanwhile, it is reported that former Chungju Mayor Jo Gilhyeong, who declared his withdrawal from the Chungbuk governor preliminary candidate race yesterday, has not yet taken any official steps within the party, such as submitting a letter of resignation.

Assemblyman Lee Jongbae, who represents Chungju in Chungbuk, also held a separate meeting with Chairman Jang after Assemblymen Eom and Park. Assemblyman Lee said, “I also raised concerns regarding the possibility of a strategic nomination.”

Lee Junghyun, head of the Nominations Committee, commented on the growing controversy over the Chungbuk governor nomination, saying, “I feel deeply regretful” and “I am taking this situation very seriously.” However, he declined to comment on individual matters.

Chairman Lee explained, “This Friday, we will conduct interviews with those who submitted additional applications for the Chungbuk governor nomination, and then make various decisions after that.” He added, “We will keep every option open.”

Meanwhile, Governor Kim held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly’s press center, stating, “The preliminary candidates, except for former Assemblywoman Kim, have become mere bystanders in the primary, and are protesting against this situation.”

He continued, “I have filed an injunction regarding the Nomination Committee’s cutoff decision, and since a hearing date has been set, I am holding on to hope. I expect the party to reverse its wrongful decision.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.