Kim Nam-jun, a key confidant to Lee Jae-myung and former presidential campaign spokesperson, met with Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) spokesperson Jeong Cheong-rae on the 24th at the National Assembly. During a one-hour discussion, Kim accused party leaders of fielding only second-tier candidates from the Lee Jae-myung faction for upcoming races.
Sharp Criticism During National Assembly Talks
Kim pressed Jeong on nominations for the June 3 by-elections and local elections. He stated, “The party has sent second-rate faction members to run.” Jeong acknowledged the concerns, noting he took Kim’s words to heart.
Kim elaborated that a prominent party heavyweight—referring to post-2022 presidential election dynamics—has relied on similar low-caliber picks. “This figure grabbed the coattails of the same second-rate nominations during the re-election push,” Kim said. He added that the heavyweight originally aimed to boost the faction’s image but ended up with nominal party entries and initial revival efforts still yielding subpar candidates.
Calls for Stronger Faction Representation
Kim highlighted clear ties between faction leaders and urged better placement of heavyweights. “The connections with faction mainstays are evident, and positioning such figures in more spots would be ideal,” he remarked.
Addressing past tensions with former DPK leader Song Young-gil, who issued similar faction nominations, Kim noted preparations for major clashes. “Song received nominations twice, drew continuous battle lines, and responded ‘it’s the same.’ Now, there’s no need for caution,” Kim stated.
Background and Recent Moves
Appointed campaign spokesperson last September amid leadership shifts, Kim resigned from his vice election role on the 20th to pursue a nomination. He holds the policy office chief position from Lee Jae-myung’s Gyeonggi governor days, securing one of the party’s most solid bases.
Song Young-gil, speaking on the radio that day about resignation and candidacy rumors, said, “It’s not a safe position where one boldly declares ‘I’ll run anywhere.’ If fears mount, leaders nominate to appease.” He affirmed plans to return to the National Assembly, catching the intent firmly.
