[Anchor] The Democratic Party plans to deploy high-profile figures to secure victories in by-elections that have grown into what amounts to a mini-general election. Strategic nominations for former party leader Song Young-gil and former Gangwon Governor Lee Kwang-jae appear imminent. But the debate over the potential candidacy of Kim Yong, a close aide to President Lee Jae-myung and former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute, is more complicated. This is reporter Yoon Sol. [Reporter] The parliamentary by-elections, held alongside local elections, are heating up quickly. The Democratic Party has signaled it will deploy heavyweight candidates to the Greater Seoul area. Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae explicitly named Song Young-gil and Lee Kwang-jae, indicating the party is considering strategic nominations. For Lee, Gyeonggi’s Hanam-gap — a district linked to gubernatorial candidate Chu Mi-ae — is under consideration. Song, who hoped to return in Incheon’s Gyeyang-eul, may instead run in Gyeonggi’s Pyeongtaek-eul or Incheon’s Yeonsu-gap, among other options. The atmosphere inside the party around Kim Yong’s potential bid is more fraught. Kim pressed party leaders by naming specific districts and, on MBC Radio’s "Kim Jong-bae’s Focus," said, "If the party strategically decides between Ansan or Hanam, I’ll work hard wherever they choose." He also took aim at former MPs Jeon Hae-cheol and Kim Nam-guk, who are preparing runs in Ansan. Pro-Lee factions have publicly pushed for Kim’s nomination. Still, the leadership has been cautious. When asked about Kim’s comment that two strategic nominations would be a special favor, Jeong Cheong-rae said, "No comment." Observers say the restraint likely reflects concern that Kim’s so‑called judicial risk could alter the overall race if it gains prominence. The People Power Party has intensified its criticism of Kim. Floor leader Song Eon-seok said, "Kim Yong, former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute, was handed heavy five‑year prison sentences in both the first and second trials. If the Democratic Party nominates someone who faces a real risk of losing a parliamentary seat within a year, that would amount to the Democratic Party declaring itself a 'morally bankrupt party.'" The People Power Party is lining up candidates: former MP Yoo Ui-dong in Pyeongtaek-eul and former MP Lee Yong in Hanam-gap are preparing to run. Speculation also continues about recruiting high-profile figures such as former MP Yoo Seung-min or former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo. This is Yoon Sol of Yonhap News TV. [Video shooting: Kim Seong-su, Park Tae-beom, Kim Sang-hoon, Hong Su-ho] [Video editing: Kang Tae-im] [Graphics: Kim Dong-jun] Yonhap News TV contact and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23 — Yoon Sol (solemio@yna.co.kr)
2026 재보궐선거: 민주당의 거물급 인사들, 송영길과 이광재의 전략 공천은?
Yoon Sol. | 2026.04.22
[Anchor] The Democratic Party plans to deploy high-profile figures to secure victories in by-elections that have grown into what amounts to a mini-general election. Strategic nominations for former party leader Song Young-gil and former Gangwon Governor Lee Kwang-jae appear imminent. But the debate over the potential candidacy of Kim Yong, a close aide to President Lee Jae-myung and former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute, is more complicated. This is reporter Yoon Sol. [Reporter] The parliamentary by-elections, held alongside local elections, are heating up quickly. The Democratic Party has signaled it will deploy heavyweight candidates to the Greater Seoul area. Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae explicitly named Song Young-gil and Lee Kwang-jae, indicating the party is considering strategic nominations. For Lee, Gyeonggi’s Hanam-gap — a district linked to gubernatorial candidate Chu Mi-ae — is under consideration. Song, who hoped to return in Incheon’s Gyeyang-eul, may instead run in Gyeonggi’s Pyeongtaek-eul or Incheon’s Yeonsu-gap, among other options. The atmosphere inside the party around Kim Yong’s potential bid is more fraught. Kim pressed party leaders by naming specific districts and, on MBC Radio’s "Kim Jong-bae’s Focus," said, "If the party strategically decides between Ansan or Hanam, I’ll work hard wherever they choose." He also took aim at former MPs Jeon Hae-cheol and Kim Nam-guk, who are preparing runs in Ansan. Pro-Lee factions have publicly pushed for Kim’s nomination. Still, the leadership has been cautious. When asked about Kim’s comment that two strategic nominations would be a special favor, Jeong Cheong-rae said, "No comment." Observers say the restraint likely reflects concern that Kim’s so‑called judicial risk could alter the overall race if it gains prominence. The People Power Party has intensified its criticism of Kim. Floor leader Song Eon-seok said, "Kim Yong, former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute, was handed heavy five‑year prison sentences in both the first and second trials. If the Democratic Party nominates someone who faces a real risk of losing a parliamentary seat within a year, that would amount to the Democratic Party declaring itself a 'morally bankrupt party.'" The People Power Party is lining up candidates: former MP Yoo Ui-dong in Pyeongtaek-eul and former MP Lee Yong in Hanam-gap are preparing to run. Speculation also continues about recruiting high-profile figures such as former MP Yoo Seung-min or former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo. This is Yoon Sol of Yonhap News TV. [Video shooting: Kim Seong-su, Park Tae-beom, Kim Sang-hoon, Hong Su-ho] [Video editing: Kang Tae-im] [Graphics: Kim Dong-jun] Yonhap News TV contact and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23 — Yoon Sol (solemio@yna.co.kr)
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