By Chung Min-uck
Rep. Chung Dong-young of the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) and presidential hopeful has decided not to seek reelection on his long-time home turf in an effort to increase his political clout.
The third-term lawmaker has long been a representative of Jeonju, North Jeolla Province.
“I was thinking of what I can do for the DUP’s new leadership and how we can beat the ruling Grand National Party (GNP),” said Chung during a press conference held at the provincial government building in North Jeolla Province, Tuesday. “So I have decided not to run for Jeonju.”
Chung said he will soon claim candidacy either in the southern Seoul region or Yeongdo, Busan, and is not considering the party’s proportional representation seat. Both districts are considered GNP’s strongholds.
Busan’s Yeongdo shipyard became a political hot spot last year due to Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction’s massive layoff plan which ignited protests from its workers. Chung visited the shipyard three times to try and resolve the conflict between the two opposing sides.
“I will discuss with the DUP’s leadership about which district I should run for. I will follow the decision made by the leadership,” said Chung.
Insiders say that the veteran lawmaker’s declaration is in line with the new leadership’s call for senior lawmakers to compete at cut-throat constituencies in the upcoming general election.
Newly elected Supreme Council members including Rep. Kim Boo-kyum have repeatedly claimed “presidential candidates should run for the GNP’s stronghold districts as an exemplary act of self-sacrifice.”
Since then, presidential hopefuls have been announcing their candidacy in constituencies with possible fierce competition, to gain an upper hand in the race for the party’s presidential candidacy. The presidential election is slated for Dec. 19.
Moon Jae-in, the DUP’s strongest presidential candidate, last month announced his parliamentary candidacy in the Busan region, while Rep. Chung Sye-kyun recently declared his intention to run for the key Seoul district of Jongno.
Observers expect more veteran DUP lawmakers to follow suit to allow the new leadership led by Han Myeong-sook to carry out a more radical form of nomination rules in the upcoming general election.
Meanwhile, some construe Rep. Chung Dong-young’s move as looking to strengthen the new leadership largely consisting of those loyal to the late former President Roh Moo-hyun. Chung served as unification minister during the Roh administration in 2004 and 2005.