Kim Chong-in vows to quit DPK
By Choi Ha-young
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Kim Chong-in
Rep. Kim Chong-in, former interim leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), vowed to leave the party Tuesday following conflict with the mainstream faction tied to Moon Jae-in, the leading presidential contender.
“I will announce soon when I will leave. I’m thinking about what to do after the court’s ruling on the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye,” Kim told reporters.
If he leaves the party, the five-term lawmaker will lose his seat since he was selected by proportional representation.
Kim’s departure is expected to deal a blow to Moon’s campaign. Rumors are circulating that he may join the conservative Bareun Party, or the liberal People’s Party.
Kim, famous for his iconic initiative of “economic democratization,” joined the DPK ahead of the general election last April, recruited by Moon, then the party’s chief.
Although Kim played a crucial role in the party’s successful performance in the April election, he has been at odds with the pro-Moon faction in the DPK. During nominations for the election, he ruled out those who were backed by the party’s traditional supporters to appeal to centrist voters.
Regarding Kim’s departure, Moon commented, “I hoped for him to stay in the party to achieve economic democratization. I will firmly respect his spirit, regardless of his choice.”
Kim reportedly said he was “deceived” by the DPK’s mainstream lawmakers, implying they are lukewarm over pushing for economic democratization.
Recently, he has refused to agree with the party’s position on constitutional revision which resulted in a backlash from Moon’s supporters. The veteran politician’s anti-Moon moves have dragged on the party’s leading presidential contender.
Rather, Kim has kept in touch with Sohn Hak-kyu of the People’s Party, Rep. Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party and Chung Un-chan, another presidential hopeful who may join the Bareun Party soon.
Rumors have been rampant around the 76-year-old bigwig’s next step. While he declined to comment on his future path, the People’s Party and the Bareun Party’s heavyweight Kim Moo-sung have openly courted him.
Before joining the liberal party, he served as President Park Geun-hye’s economy mentor, but was “abandoned” by the camp right after her victory.
Sim Ki-joon will replace Kim once he submits documents to leave the DPK.