Kim Jeongcheol: "Oh Sehoon Only Offers Showy Administration, Jung Wono Has Many Issues to Verify" [Current Affairs Show]

"Serious Crisis for Separation of Powers"

"At This Rate, President Lee Could Be Impeached"

"Outreach Services to Greatly Improve Accessibility"

■ Broadcast: The Asia Business Daily's "So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show" (Monday–Friday, 4–5 p.m.)

■ Host: Political specialist So Jongsup ■ Director: Producer Lee Kyungdo

■ Guest: Kim Jungcheol, Reform New Party candidate for Seoul mayor (May 26)

※ When citing this article, please be sure to mention "So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show".

So Jongsup: Welcome to So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show. Today, we have invited Kim Jungcheol, the Reform New Party candidate for Seoul mayor, to hear his thoughts and vision for the city. Thank you, Candidate Kim, for joining us despite your busy schedule. News has just come in that an accident occurred during the demolition of the Seodaemun overpass.

Kim Jungcheol: I hear, regrettably, that there has been a fatality. I received the news right before this broadcast, so I am actually in a complicated state of mind and must leave quickly after this. I hope the remaining people can be rescued as soon as possible. I plan to head over right after we finish this broadcast.

So Jongsup: This is a sudden, unexpected issue and a safety concern.

Kim Jungcheol: Rather than talking about who is at fault right now, I think it is more important to ensure a swift rescue. Later, the matter of responsibility will need to be discussed, but above all, we must do everything to guarantee the safety of our citizens. Safety is more important than anything.

On the 26th, Kim Jeongcheol, the Reform New Party candidate for Seoul mayor, appeared on So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show at The Asia Business Daily headquarters and was interviewed by specialist So Jongsup. Photo by Huh Younghan

So Jongsup: This is your first time running in an election, correct? How has the experience been so far?

Kim Jungcheol: I was aware that the system was unfair, but I never realized until now just how high the walls built by the two major parties are. I entered the race knowing this, but I want to become a driving force for breaking through this rigid party structure and changing politics. No matter how solid the system seems, there are always places where it can be broken. Such change is important not only for politics in Seoul but for Korean politics and the future development of South Korea as a whole. That is why I decided to run. In fact, one out of every four uncommitted voters does not support either major party. There are people who quietly abstain and those who have reasonable, common-sense views. I wanted to offer an alternative for these people and represent their voices.

Running to Represent the Quiet and Rational Citizens

So Jongsup: Can you share specific examples of where you felt the system was unfair?

Kim Jungcheol: Election expenses are reimbursed 50% if you receive more than 10% of the vote, and 100% if you surpass 15%. For candidates from the two major parties, this is almost guaranteed, so they have no trouble attracting donations and receive plenty of state subsidies. All their campaign spending gets reimbursed. They can hang as many banners as they want, and people often ask me why I only have one campaign leaflet. Not only is this wasteful for the environment, but I opted to connect my pledges with a QR code instead. Meanwhile, they can produce full booklets. All that money comes from taxpayers. As for me, I am using my own money and a small amount of party support to run this campaign, making it very difficult. Candidates from minor parties or those in the so-called "third zone" have very limited access to resources in our democracy, which makes it hard for diverse voices to be heard. That is my concern.

So Jongsup: What motivated you to enter politics, and what is your goal as a politician?

Kim Jungcheol: Before I entered politics, I saw from the outside that many statements and actions by politicians in the two major parties were far from common sense. Many things went against the law as I had studied it. For example, I could not comprehend the positions of Chairman Seo Youngkyo or former chairperson Choo Mi-ae during special prosecutions or parliamentary investigations, nor President Lee Jaemyung's move to dismiss charges. Yet such people gain more power, and the opposition party stirs up unrest, almost to the point of collapse. Why is it so rare to find a politician who is considered decent and rational? That is why I decided to try politics and speak up about these issues. While I won a case representing victims of the Lime Fund, unless such victories are institutionalized, other victims cannot benefit, and the unpleasant truth remains that real restitution does not occur. To change this, politics is necessary, so I waded in, knowing it would be messy.

So Jongsup: What is your goal?

Kim Jungcheol: I want to be remembered as a politician people consider to be truly good. Even if I lose this mayoral race, I want people to say, "I wish I had voted for Kim Jungcheol," or "It would have been better if Kim Jungcheol had been elected."

The Keywords that Define Kim Jungcheol: Trust, Drive, and Challenge

So Jongsup: You once said, "If people get to know me, I will always win." How would you describe yourself?

Kim Jungcheol: "Just trust Kim Jungcheol." That is what my friends and acquaintances say about me. I have always honored my words, and I believe politics should be the same. There are too many politicians who change their positions according to their own interests. Too often, they say one thing in the past and something else now only to benefit themselves. When faced with a choice between the public interest and personal gain, a politician should always choose the public good. But when I look at lawmakers from the People Power Party and the Democratic Party, I think they always choose personal gain when these two interests conflict.

So Jongsup: What are the keywords that symbolize Kim Jungcheol?

Kim Jungcheol: Trust, drive, and challenge. My decision to run for mayor itself demonstrates my drive. When I ran for the supreme council, I promised party members that I would run for Seoul mayor if elected. After making such a promise, it would be easy to back out by saying the situation has changed. But keeping that promise and declaring my candidacy inspires courage in local and city council candidates as well. In any battle, the frontline leader is important. The person at the front must be willing to fight to the end, even if they are not strong, as long as they have the will to resist. If I were to use my candidacy to force a single opposition candidate or exploit the single candidacy frame for political gain, I could do that. But I never make such contacts or meetings.

I am someone who is more confident than anyone else in the decisions I make and the drive to see them through. No matter how much people talk about single candidacies until this election ends, I will remain steadfastly independent.

Kim Jungcheol, the Seoul mayoral candidate of the Reform New Party, emphasized the need for the introduction of a runoff voting system and reform of the proportional representation system on So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show. Photo by Huh Younghan

So Jongsup: You must be experiencing financial difficulties.

Kim Jungcheol: I sold all my stocks, used up all my emergency funds, and have even pulled out loans—I'm doing everything I can. When I make up my mind to do something and pledge to keep my promises, I do it even if it comes at a personal cost. A promise is real only when you keep it even in unfavorable or personally difficult circumstances, even if it is clear that you will lose out. Candidates from the two major parties can spend as much money as they want because it will all be reimbursed by the state. They hang large banners with taxpayers' money. I have to cover my expenses personally, so I am pouring everything I have into this.

So Jongsup: From the perspective of political reform, what is the one thing you would change?

Kim Jungcheol: First, we must introduce a runoff voting system. The essence of the proportional representation system is to listen to the voices of minority parties and opinions, but it is not being operated that way. It must be completely overhauled. Currently, parties are abusing the proportional representation system to place their own people and expand their political power. Such a system must not be left to the parties. There needs to be a process of citizen participation or some public verification to determine proportional representatives, and the time has come to establish clear qualification criteria.

So Jongsup: Former President Park Geun-hye has become active again. What is your assessment?

Former President Park Geun-hye Should Let the Sinking Ship Sink

Kim Jungcheol: Former President Park Geun-hye should really be allowed to rest. However, as their crisis deepens, some are summoning her again, which I think is politically inappropriate. There was the impeachment of Park Geun-hye, and many people in the People Power Party abandoned her at the time. Now those same people are asking for her help. In my view, she has been forcibly drawn back into the fray.

Failing companies should be allowed to fail so that new companies can rise up, minimizing overall loss. But they keep trying to artificially keep them alive. The People Power Party is now trying to use Park Geun-hye as a political lifeline. Former President Park should let the sinking ship sink. Only then can reconstruction take place. If you keep bailing out a sinking ship, you only prolong the inevitable and increase public suffering. I hope she exercises wise judgment.

So Jongsup: What is your opinion on Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yongjin's apology?

Kim Jungcheol: Holding such events, particularly during the May 18th period, was very wrong. Starbucks deserves criticism, and consumer boycotts in response to public outrage are to be expected. But when this is politicized, and the president intervenes or authorities talk about conducting raids or launching investigations against a company—none of this has any legal basis. As an expert in criminal law, I can say there is no crime that meets the requirements for detention. In normal circumstances, such cases would be dismissed outright.

This shows that the rule of law has collapsed under political pressure. In the past, regardless of complaints or accusations, investigative agencies would not act unless justified. But now, President Lee Jaemyung pushes and coerces, and the police and prosecutors have been cowed. Fear has taken over, and even for baseless accusations, investigations are launched. This is very wrong. Candidate Jeong Wonoh should not only withdraw, but President Lee Jaemyung should apologize for nominating him as the Seoul mayoral candidate. Why? Because his excuses for assaulting public officials and others while intoxicated—claiming it was due to May 18th—would make him a criminal under that logic.

Power should be exercised for the public and with restraint, but now even the courts are under duress. The prosecution has been destroyed, and the police are also under pressure. If you think destroying the prosecution will save the police, it will not. Ultimately, this administration's lawless conduct is destroying the rule of law and shaking the judiciary in South Korea. In the past, if such complaints were filed, prosecutors would have dismissed them right away.

※ Click the video to watch the full interview

Serious Crisis of Separation of Powers; President Lee Jaemyung Will Be Impeached

So Jongsup: You believe the separation of powers is in crisis?

Kim Jungcheol: It is extremely serious. The public is unaware because they cannot feel it directly. President Lee Jaemyung's dismissal of charges might not seem to affect daily life, but it ultimately sends a terrible message to our children and young people—that South Korea is unfair and that you must yield to those in power. The loss from this cannot be measured in money. Because the damage is invisible, people do not realize what is happening. When the supplementary investigation powers are abolished next year, people will feel the impact. At that point, I believe President Lee Jaemyung will be impeached.

So Jongsup: You really think he could be impeached?

Kim Jungcheol: I believe he will be impeached during his term. The dismissal of charges and related issues will become a reality for the public. Right now, people do not feel the injustice, even if I shout about it being unfair or against the separation of powers. They may understand it intellectually, but it is not visible in their daily lives. But this is more serious than if it directly affected your own child. In the future, our children will lose faith in fairness. The message is that, if you are powerful, you can dismiss your own crimes. This is damage that cannot be quantified.

So Jongsup: What is your assessment of your competitors, Oh Sehoon and Jeong Wonoh?

All Oh Sehoon Can Do Is Showmanship Administration

Kim Jungcheol: In the case of Oh Sehoon, after serving four terms, you tend to fall into a rut. Most people cannot escape it, and they fail to innovate or make real change. All that is left is showmanship administration. For example, the Han River bus—people may enjoy riding it for 3,000 won and feeling the river breeze—but that is all there is. Tax money is wasted on it.

Meanwhile, the poor, the vulnerable, and families with disabled members are not receiving the support they need. Because of these expenses, people in desperate situations are unable to access necessary welfare. The same applies to the Wrist Doctor program, which has a budget of 60 billion won per year. It is used to distribute Seoul Pay vouchers. Sure, health is important, but there are many people who are even sicker. Some people cannot even walk. These are the people who need support the most. Yet, while claiming to have performed well as Seoul mayor, he is running again. And now, we see accidents occurring as well. He claims no fault in the GTX project, but in my view, he should resign immediately.

So Jongsup: What is your assessment of Jeong Wonoh?

Candidate Jeong Wonoh Has Too Many Issues to Be Vetted

Kim Jungcheol: Candidate Jeong has too many issues to be vetted. There were many instances of unfairness during his time as Seongdong District head. He gave preferential treatment to certain companies. The head of one such company also heads a volunteer center he created—Seongdong-gu Volunteer Center, funded by the district, with himself as the first director. That alone is a problem. A public institution funded by the district should not have him as director.

But that's not all. He appointed someone named Bae as the second director. They would frequently volunteer together with district residents, but all that activity was essentially campaign groundwork for his re-election as district head. The company run by Mr. Bae, called Epi Korea, monopolizes all the smart shelters in Seongdong-gu.

There is nothing special about the technology—anyone could provide it. Yet, if you look at the public notices, they say "competitive bidding," but the requirements are such that only those who score over 90 points can participate. In reality, only one company qualifies: Epi Korea.

So Jongsup: Are you saying there is suspicion of collusion?

Kim Jungcheol: When there are no bidders in public tenders, the contract is then awarded directly to that company. If this is how things were done, apologies and reflection are necessary, but he has never explained or apologized. Instead, he boasts of it as an achievement. Each smart shelter costs tens of millions of won, sometimes up to 100 million. How unfair is this for young people? Youth start-ups and others could do much better. The technology is nothing special.

There are many other issues, from staff hiring to lack of transparency and unfair administration, all disguised as achievements. To uncover the truth, there needs to be a debate, but he refuses to participate. Instead, he has his aides speak for him. If he cannot even explain his own policies, how can he lead? I suspect he was not even directly responsible for the smart shelters. That is the biggest problem, in my view, and I do not think he is qualified to be a candidate.

The same goes for Oh Sehoon. Knowing Jeong Wonoh will not participate, he keeps calling for debates, but has no intention of participating himself either. He also avoided debates in the past. Such manipulative avoidance of debates is very cowardly.

So Jongsup: If you become Seoul mayor, how will life change for citizens?

Improving Citizens' Access to Seoul City through Outreach Services

Kim Jungcheol: Access to Seoul city government will fundamentally change. My goal is to implement policies and pledges in a way that citizens can feel the difference right away—things that can be realized within my term. When the government takes money from citizens, it never asks for proof and just assumes your income. But when the poor, vulnerable, disabled, or elderly apply for support, they are required to submit stacks of paperwork.

The same is true for young people. When applying for youth rental housing loans, for example, the city demands documentation of parents' income and more. My plan is to eliminate those barriers. Just like payments are instantly processed on platforms such as Coupang, administrative services should be just as seamless. This is how you protect fundamental rights. Guaranteeing the pursuit of happiness for Seoul citizens starts here. Without this, grand promises like building 310,000 new homes are just empty words. If those responsible have failed so far, what will change now?

We will implement outreach services. We will proactively inform people of available benefits and, once eligibility is confirmed, they can accept with a single click—just like an online payment. Once they agree, the benefit is immediately granted. Even this alone will change lives.

So Jongsup: Oh Sehoon and Jeong Wonoh have pledged to build more than 300,000 housing units by 2031...

Kim Jungcheol: Instead of making empty promises about building 300,000 or 360,000 homes, we need to address the essence of redevelopment and reconstruction. The core reason these projects are delayed is lawsuits. Because of legal disputes, projects have been stalled for 15 to 20 years, with constant litigation.

Accelerating Redevelopment and Reconstruction with Public Association Leaders

My first pledge is to introduce a public association leader system. Seoul city would select and recommend trusted individuals as association leaders, either from within the association or from outside, to minimize internal conflict. The second issue is the consent forms within associations. By adopting blockchain technology for electronic signatures, forgery and falsification become impossible. With verified authentication, no one can claim proxy signatures, drastically reducing lawsuits. Lastly, the matter of cost sharing: this should be disclosed in advance. With proper forecasting, this can be made transparent from the start, and we will guarantee and explain the fairness of the costs to all members.

So Jongsup: What is your outlook on the future of the Reform New Party after the local elections?

Kim Jungcheol: I think the party will expand at least threefold. This election will be a turning point in establishing a clear public awareness of what the Reform New Party stands for. After the local elections, our party’s values and vision will be greatly expanded. I believe those tired of the two major parties will increasingly recognize ours as the only party making reasonable, common-sense arguments. The cracks in the major parties have begun. I think they are full of rotten and corrupt people in need of a coup.

So Jongsup: Thank you for your time.

Kim Jungcheol: Thank you.

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