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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Defeated Progressive Candidate Stays Committed to Community Activism

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Kim Sun-jae, a local committee chair for the Progressive Party in Daejeon, narrowly lost his bid for a local council seat by 0.39%.
  • Despite the loss, Kim is recognized for his consistent community engagement, including environmental cleanup and support for various social causes.
  • He believes progressive politics means striving for a better society together, free from hate, and finds parallels in raising his children.

Kim Sun-jae, the local committee chair for the Progressive Party in Daejeon's Yuseong-gu district, narrowly missed winning a seat on the local council in the recent elections, losing by a mere 0.39% margin, equivalent to 196 votes. Despite the close defeat, Kim has become a symbol of dedicated community activism in a staunchly conservative region.

I wanted to do something that helps the world. ... My path led me to politics rather than invention.

— Kim Sun-jaeExplaining his transition from engineering to politics.

Originally a mechanical engineering major at KAIST with aspirations of becoming an inventor, Kim found himself drawn to social issues after realizing his academic path didn't align with his interests. He transitioned into politics, driven by a desire to contribute to society. "I wanted to do something that helps the world," he explained, noting that his path led him to politics rather than invention.

Kim has dedicated the past four years to serving his community, even after his previous unsuccessful bid for a council seat in 2022. His commitment extends beyond election cycles, involving activities such as cleaning up university areas and participating in animal welfare efforts. He has also actively supported various causes, including labor rights, environmental protection, and anti-discrimination initiatives. Furthermore, he authored a book about the Daejeon National Cemetery and served as a docent there, engaging with citizens.

Progressive activities are not about denying the world itself. It's about trying to live well together, not just for myself. It's about changing the world for the better with hope, free from hate.

— Kim Sun-jaeDefining his understanding of progressive politics.

Reflecting on his political philosophy, Kim stated, "Progressive activities are not about denying the world itself. It's about trying to live well together, not just for myself. It's about changing the world for the better with hope, free from hate." He sees parallels between this ideal and raising his children, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and love to foster healthy development. Despite the recent electoral setback, which initially left him devastated, Kim remains committed to his principles, finding renewed purpose in continuing his work on the ground, inspired by the solidarity of striking workers and the support of the community.

I want to be remembered as a 'good person' when I die. Many people are pointed at in the final moments, but I hope not to live like that.

— Kim Sun-jaeStating his ultimate life goal beyond his political career.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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