I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
Kim Jong-pil to leave Saenuri Party
Kim Jong-pil, the founder of Korea’ Central Intelligence Agency as well as a long-time politician, recently expressed his intention to leave the ruling Saenuri Party, according to party sources Wednesday.
Details of his decision to leave the conservative party were not known.
But those who are close to him said Kim, a former nine-term lawmaker, was disappointed by the ruling party after it pushed for reform which included some liberal elements in its campaign pledges.
The veteran politician, 86, who became affiliated with the ruling party in 2007 after giving his endorsement to then presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak, was also discontent as he felt he was not properly treated after Lee was sworn in as President.
Kim is the founder of the now-defunct conservative United Liberal Democrats, which had a strong presence in the Chungcheong provinces in elections.
He retired from politics in 2004 after his bid for a tenth term failed.