The People Power Party's Nomination Committee has delayed a decision on whether to nominate Jeong Jin-seok, the former presidential office chief of staff, for the Gongju–Buyeo–Cheongyang by-election. The committee said it will await a ruling from the party's Ethics Committee.
After a closed-door meeting on the 4th, Nomination Committee chair Park Deok-heum told reporters, "We couldn't make a decision because the Ethics Committee has not scheduled or held a meeting." He added, "If the Ethics Committee convenes within seven days, we will meet—even if delayed—and proceed to interview the former deputy speaker."
The committee says that because the party's Supreme Council left nomination decisions to internal discretion, the Ethics Committee must first assess Jeong's eligibility before the nomination review can move forward. If the Ethics Committee rules him ineligible, the party can exclude him from consideration without further review. If it finds him eligible, the party will conduct interviews and other procedures to determine the final candidate.
However, with the previously scheduled Ethics Committee meeting still uncertain, party insiders continue to push back against the nomination of a key pro‑Yoon figure, prompting speculation that the delay may effectively serve to block his nomination.
The dispute over the nomination has also affected local politics. Kim Tae‑heum, the candidate for governor of South Chungcheong Province (Chungcheongnam‑do) who had threatened to run as an independent if Jeong were nominated, has indefinitely postponed his preliminary registration and campaign launch.
Jeong said, "No one can claim to be free of ties to former President Yoon," and added, "There is no reason not to convene the Ethics Committee. I will await its decision."
