Democratic Party Secretary-General: 'More negative than positive opinions on Kim Yong's nomination'

As the Hankyoreh, we report on the internal deliberations within the Democratic Party regarding candidate nominations, particularly concerning the controversial potential nomination of Kim Yong. Secretary-General Jo Seung-rae's candid remarks suggest a significant internal debate, with a prevailing sentiment leaning against Kim Yong's strategic nomination for the upcoming by-elections.

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Within the party, there seem to be more opinions that view it negatively rather than positively.

Jo Seung-rae's statement that "opinions that are more negative than positive" exist within the party regarding Kim Yong's nomination is a crucial insight into the Democratic Party's strategic calculus. The party leadership appears acutely aware that while a specific candidate might have a chance in their constituency, their nomination could have a detrimental ripple effect on other, potentially more critical, races. This pragmatic approach, prioritizing overall party success over individual candidacies, is a hallmark of seasoned political maneuvering.

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Even if there is a possibility of winning in an individual constituency, if the nomination of that person negatively affects other elections, it is a card that cannot be chosen.

Furthermore, the party is navigating complex decisions regarding other key by-elections. The potential nominations of former heavyweights like Song Young-gil and Lee Kwang-jae, along with the consideration of AI expert Ha Jeong-woo, highlight the party's efforts to field strong candidates. The Secretary-General's comments on these matters indicate a careful balancing act, weighing the candidates' willingness to run in specific districts against the party's strategic needs and the potential for political fallout.

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We are in the stage of putting the puzzle together, considering the impact on the local elections and by-elections and the possibility of winning.

From our perspective at the Hankyoreh, these internal discussions reflect the high stakes of the upcoming elections. The Democratic Party is not only assessing individual candidate viability but also the broader implications for party unity and public perception. Jo Seung-rae's measured tone suggests a party attempting to make difficult, politically sensitive decisions with the ultimate goal of maximizing its electoral prospects while minimizing internal and external damage. The mention of not considering a unified candidacy in Pyeongtaek, where prominent figures from opposing factions are running, further underscores the intricate political landscape the party is navigating.

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It is still a state where only his (Ha Jeong-woo's) decision remains, and we are looking forward to it.