Governor Kim Tae-heum Hints at Party Defection Over Chung Jin-suk Nomination

Former Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk has officially declared his candidacy for the Gongju, Buyeo, Cheongyang constituency in the parliamentary by-elections scheduled for June 3. The People Power Party's Nomination Management Committee plans to proceed with his nomination after reviewing his rejoining procedures and ethics committee review, followed by a separate interview, with nominations to be announced by the 7th.

South Chungcheong Province Governor Kim Tae-heum has informed the party leadership that he will leave the party and run as an independent if Chung Jin-suk is nominated as the sole candidate for the constituency. Governor Kim conveyed his stance directly, stating that endorsing Chung Jin-suk as the candidate is tantamount to conceding the entire election, and thus he intends to resign his People Power Party candidacy and run independently.

With Chung Jin-suk, the former chief of staff to President Yoon Suk-yeol, officially entering the race for his five-term stronghold ahead of the June 3 by-elections, dubbed a 'mini general election,' backlash against the party leadership and nomination committee is emerging, particularly from the Chungcheong region. Voices opposing Chung's candidacy have been heard not only from candidates in the Chungcheong region but also from within the party leadership.

Chung Jin-suk is currently undergoing investigation and trial for charges including evidence tampering related to the December 3 'rebellion' incident, involving the presidential office. He has been categorized as a 'founding pro-Yoon' figure since his support for former President Yoon Suk-yeol began in 2021. He intends to run for office leveraging his status as an 'original pro-Yoon' figure facing investigation and trial for the December 3 'rebellion' incident.

Chung Jin-suk announced his intention to run on Facebook, stating it is his last duty for the party and conservative reconstruction, and that he will set parliamentary politics and the political front in order. He added that he has no intention of severing his personal relationship with former President Yoon.

Concerns have been raised that the 'Absolute Yoon' controversy could resurface. Local civic groups in the constituency have also voiced opposition to his candidacy. The Gongju, Buyeo, Cheongyang Future Political Reform Alliance held a press conference holding signs that read, 'Shameless Nepotism Nomination, Fierce Opposition to a Shielded Candidacy,' and 'End 36 Years of Hereditary Politics, Give Opportunities to New Figures.' Fears have been expressed that this could provide an opportunity for attacks framing the party as 'rebellion party'.

The Democratic Party's lawmakers have also reacted negatively to Chung Jin-suk's announcement. Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Kun-young stated on Facebook that it is astonishing that someone who served as chief of staff, while the person they served is facing a life sentence in the first trial and is currently on appeal for rebellion charges, would run without repentance, driven only by the desire for a parliamentary seat. Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Ki-heon remarked, 'The rebellion forces thought to be buried underground are opening the coffin lids and awakening.' He added, 'The goal of the June 3 elections is the complete ousting of Yoon Suk-yeol.' Democratic Party candidate Park Soo-hyun commented, 'Chung Jin-suk's announcement of candidacy. It's surprising this is possible,' and pointed out, 'It's no different from Yoon Suk-yeol running from prison.'

In addition to Chung Jin-suk, other figures have been nominated as sole candidates for the June 3 by-elections: Lee Yong for Hanam Gap in Gyeonggi Province, Lee Jin-sook for Dalseong County in Daegu, and Kim Tae-gyu for Nam-gap in Ulsan. Veteran lawmakers from non-Yeongnam regions are concerned that the simultaneous nomination of key figures from the Yoon Suk-yeol administration to lead election campaigns could negatively impact the overall election results, including those in local elections. Former Supreme Council member Kim Jong-hyuk stated that if Chung Jin-suk runs, the entire election will be attacked with the frame of 'Is this another Yoon election?' and revealed that people around him tried to dissuade him.

Regarding concerns that the candidacies of 'pro-Yoon' figures could lead to the election being framed as a judgment on Yoon, Nomination Management Committee Chairman Park Deok-heum responded that the committee is operating fairly and prioritizing candidates who can win.