The Democratic Party said it has decided to make strategic nominations for upcoming by-elections in Gyeonggi province, naming Lee Kwang-jae, a former Gangwon governor, for Hanam Gap; Kim Yong-nam, a former lawmaker, for Pyeongtaek Eul; and Kim Nam-kuk, a former lawmaker, for Ansan Gap.
Kang Jun-hyeon, the party’s chief spokesperson, told reporters after a meeting of the Strategic Nomination Management Committee at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 27th that the committee approved the three nominations.
Kang said Lee was chosen in part because he has put the party ahead of personal interests when it faced difficulties. He described Lee as a heavyweight candidate who has served three terms in the National Assembly and led a provincial government, and said he is suited to push forward national projects such as the GTX rail plan.
Kang also highlighted Lee’s past election win in conservative-leaning Gangwon and said Lee has a strong grasp of issues affecting the Seoul metropolitan area.
Explaining Kim Yong-nam’s nomination, Kang said the party aimed to field a “reasonable and reform-minded” conservative figure in Pyeongtaek Eul, an area with strong conservative tendencies. He said Kim contributed significantly to broadening support and winning the last presidential election, and that the party believes Kim can draw backing across political lines and remain competitive even in a difficult district.
Kang said Kim Nam-kuk was nominated because he has, until recently, shared President Lee Jae-myung’s governing philosophy and previously served as a lawmaker representing the Ansan area.
“Former lawmaker Kim Nam-kuk understands President Lee Jae-myung’s governing philosophy most deeply,” Kang said, adding that Kim’s understanding of local issues, built during his time representing Ansan, would help lead the party to victory.
The party, however, ruled out nominating Kim Yong, a former deputy head of the Democratic Research Institute, who had consistently expressed interest in running in the Gyeonggi area.
Secretary-General Cho Seung-rae said some inside and outside the party argued Kim deserved an opportunity, describing him as a victim of what he called a “prosecutorial fabricated indictment” and someone who contributed to the party and President Lee. But Cho said the party decided not to nominate him because it could affect the by-elections.
Cho added that it would also be difficult to consider Kim for nomination in another district and said he explained the circumstances to Kim on the 27th.
Cho also said the party would continue its recruitment process for Ha Jung-woo, the presidential office’s senior secretary for artificial intelligence, who is widely expected to run in Busan’s Buk-gu Gap district. Cho said he met Ha personally on the 6th, and that party leader Jung Cheong-rae also spoke with Ha on the 26th about a potential run. Cho said Ha had expressed his intention to resign, and that if it is approved soon, the party plans to proceed with steps to bring him in as a candidate.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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