A list of potential candidates for the Seoul mayoral election, along with names of political figures, was observed in a notebook belonging to Democratic Party Representative Kim Min-seok. The notebook, seen on March 9th in the National Assembly, contained the heading ‘Seoul Mayor Candidate’ and listed several names that Kim later clarified in a March 10th interview on ‘MinjooTV’.
Unpacking the Notebook’s Contents
Representative Kim Min-seok explained the abbreviations and names found in his notebook. He stated that ‘Hun-sik’ referred to Kang Hun-sik, a former presidential secretary, ‘Won-sik’ to Woo Won-sik, a former National Assembly Speaker, and ‘Chung-rae’ to Chung Jin-sang, a former party representative. The name ‘Hyun-jong’ was also present, identified by Kim as Kim Hyun-jong, a former deputy minister of trade. Kim noted that he had personally written these names, and some were obscured by his hand when photographed.
Additionally, Kim mentioned that the names of Seoul National University Professor Kim Kyeong-min and former lawmaker Kim Jin-ae were also in the notebook, though these were less visible in the initial images. He suggested that these individuals were also being considered in discussions about potential candidates.
Rationale Behind the List
Kim Min-seok asserted that the by-election for the Seoul mayoral seat and the by-election for the Gangneung parliamentary seat are highly probable, estimating a 99.99% chance. He emphasized that preparation for such elections is a natural course of action.
Regarding the Seoul mayoral race specifically, Kim pointed out that several individuals who ran in previous elections, such as Jung Won-oh (former Dongjak-gu Office Chief), Park Ju-min, Jeon Hyun-hee, Seo Young-kyo, and Park Hong-keun (who also serves as the head of the Planning and Budget Committee), are all considered potential candidates. He described the list in his notebook as a compilation of names that had been suggested to him by various people, including these established figures, as well as new contenders.
Kim stressed that the names were not included without careful consideration. He explained that the list was compiled while analyzing which candidates possessed the necessary qualities and could be considered ‘winning cards’ for the Seoul mayoral election. He also apologized if any individual felt their opinions were misrepresented, stating that no one’s personal views were directly targeted in his notes.
Reactions and Further Clarifications
Chung Jin-sang, one of the individuals named in the notebook, posted on Facebook on March 9th expressing his displeasure. He humorously suggested that Kim Min-seok should write down the names of candidates like ‘Min-seok’ and ‘Yeong-gil’, who he felt had better potential for the Seoul mayoral race, rather than himself.
In response, Kim Min-seok confirmed that his own initials, ‘MS’, were indeed in the notebook. He clarified that this entry did not signify his intention to run but rather reflected a conversation where someone suggested he might have to run if other options didn’t materialize, a sentiment he recorded as a hypothetical scenario.
Kim also addressed the names ‘Lee Jin-sook’ and ‘Han Dong-hoon’ marked with ‘OUT’. He explained that this notation stemmed from his belief that these individuals should not be serving in the National Assembly. Kim revealed that he had proposed a bill that would allow the National Assembly to suspend a member’s qualifications for up to one year through a majority vote. He expressed hope that the passage of this bill would prevent individuals like Lee Jin-sook and Han Dong-hoon from continuing their parliamentary activities.
Notebook Usage and Photography
Confirming that he was indeed the one who wrote in the notebook, Kim Min-seok stated that he carries two notebooks and uses one each day. He explained that the photograph was taken when he briefly sat in the main assembly hall, which was empty of other lawmakers at the time. Believing he was not being filmed, he proceeded to jot down notes in his book. However, the camera captured him in the act.
The notebook entries, therefore, represent Kim’s personal notes and considerations regarding potential candidates for the Seoul mayoral election and his views on certain political figures’ roles in the National Assembly. The clarification aims to provide context to the observed notations and address public speculation.
