Political Shake-Up: Kim Tae-sung and Jeong Kwang-ho Join the New Justice Party Amid Controversial Democratic Party Departure

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The CEN News / Reporter Lee Ju-sang | Candidate Kim Tae-seong, who left the Democratic Party, and former provincial assembly member Jeong Gwang-ho announced on March 30 that they are joining the National Innovation Party.

At a joint press conference in the Jeonnam Provincial Council briefing room, the two said they had left the Democratic Party and explained their reasons for joining the National Innovation Party, arguing the Democratic Party’s nomination process had eroded fairness and principle.

They accused the Democratic Party of insisting on a so-called “four no” principle while applying it selectively, calling that a double standard. They described the party’s decision as a collapse of nomination standards and a betrayal of local residents’ trust.

They added that leaving a party they’d long belonged to was not an easy decision, but that the situation had become intolerable. They said they plan to build an alliance centered on the National Innovation Party to reform entrenched political power structures.

They also said they had considered running as independents but concluded it was necessary to align with a political force that has clear values and direction. They emphasized they will work with conscientious political groups and civic organizations to bring fundamental change to local politics.

The two candidates argued that the current political structure makes change in Shinan County difficult and vowed to work with residents to prevent a fifth term and create a Shinan where residents are in charge.

Meanwhile, the Shinan County mayoral race is in flux as Mayor Park Woo-ryang seeks a fifth term and several prospective candidates have switched parties.

(The CEN News) Jeonnam-Gwangju reporter Lee Ju-sang eaglefood@naver.com