Ruling Party: 'Ha Jung-woo's Firm Will to Run Remains... No Nominations With Alliances in Mind'

The Democratic Party is intensifying its efforts to recruit Ha Jung-woo, the Senior Secretary for AI Future Planning at the Presidential Office, for an upcoming by-election. Sources within the party indicate that significant efforts, described as 'repeated earnest requests,' have been made to persuade him to run. The party leadership views Ha Jung-woo's potential candidacy as crucial, emphasizing his 'firm will' to run as a key factor. This push highlights the party's strategic focus on securing strong candidates for the June 3rd by-elections, which are seen as a critical test of their political standing.

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There was a process of earnestly requesting him to run for the election.

Ha Jung-woo himself appears to be in a period of deliberation, acknowledging the difficult choice between his current national role in shaping AI strategy and the prospect of serving his constituents locally. His public statements suggest a wavering stance, indicating that a final decision is imminent, likely within the week. The party is optimistic about his chances, viewing his potential entry as a significant boost.

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There is still Ha's firm will to run.

Simultaneously, the Democratic Party is navigating internal discussions regarding the nomination of Kim Yong, a former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute. While a significant number of party members, reportedly 69, have publicly voiced support for Kim Yong's nomination, there are also internal currents of opposition. The party's spokesperson acknowledged these differing opinions but urged trust in the nomination committee's decision-making process. This internal debate over Kim Yong's candidacy, particularly given his past controversies, adds another layer of complexity to the party's electoral preparations. From a South Korean perspective, these internal party dynamics and candidate selections are closely watched as indicators of the party's direction and its ability to unify ahead of crucial elections. The emphasis on securing high-profile candidates like Ha Jung-woo, while managing internal dissent over figures like Kim Yong, reflects the intricate balancing act of Korean politics, where party loyalty, public perception, and electoral strategy constantly intersect.

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There is not much time until the election, and we have made many efforts to persuade him.