Ex-Presidential Aide Jung Jin-suk Runs for By-election, Defends Ties to Yoon

Jung Jin-suk, who served as chief of staff to former President Yoon Suk-yeol during the controversial martial law declaration, has thrown his hat into the ring for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang by-election. His candidacy, framed as a "final duty" to rebuild the conservative party, immediately brings the sensitive issue of Yoon's past actions back into the spotlight. Jung's public statement, asserting that he has "no intention whatsoever" of severing personal ties with Yoon and that forcing anyone to "cut ties" is "too harsh," reveals the complex dynamics within the party as it navigates the aftermath of Yoon's presidency.

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In this emergency situation, I could not turn away from my final duty to rebuild the party and our camp. I will set the parliamentary politics and our camp straight in the National Assembly.

This situation is further complicated by the influx of candidates closely aligned with Yoon Suk-yeol seeking nominations for various by-elections. Lee Jin-sook, a former broadcasting commissioner who has defended Yoon against accusations of rebellion, has applied for nomination in Daegu Dalseong. Lee Yong, known as Yoon's "bodyguard" during the presidential campaign, is seeking nomination in Hanam Gap, having publicly opposed Yoon's "impeachment." Kim Tae-gyu, a "pro-Yoon" figure, is also vying for a nomination in Ulsan Nam Gap. This pattern of "pro-Yoon" figures emerging suggests a strategic attempt to rally Yoon's base, but it also carries significant electoral risks.

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It was a bolt from the blue. I have no intention whatsoever of severing personal ties with him. I believe no one should be forced to cut ties with him; that would be too harsh.

Within the People Power Party, there's a palpable sense of unease. As one lawmaker from the Yeongnam region noted, linking these by-elections to local elections could be detrimental, especially with the "pro-Yoon" label attached. The party leadership appears divided, with some acknowledging the right to run while others worry about the electoral consequences. The Hankyoreh's reporting highlights this internal tension, where the desire to field candidates clashes with the fear of alienating voters by associating too closely with a controversial former president. The question remains whether these candidates can distance themselves from Yoon's legacy or if their candidacies will further entrench the divisions within the conservative camp.

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What are 'pro-Yoon' candidates? Are Yoon's supporters criminals?