Ex-PM makes bid for Seoul mayor

Former Saenuri lawmaker bids for Jeju governor

By Jun Ji-hye

Kim Hwang-sik

Won Hee-ryong

Former Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik officially announced his bid Sunday for the Seoul mayoral election as a possible ruling Saenuri Party candidate in the June 4 local elections.

Following his official announcement, a primary of the governing camp to select a final candidate for the election will be a three-way race, along with seven-term lawmaker Chung Mong-joon and Supreme Council member Lee Hye-hoon.

“I will run in the mayoral election with complete determination,” Kim told a press conference at the headquarters of the ruling party in Yeouido.

Kim’s official announcement came two days after he disclosed his plan to run for mayor upon his return from a trip to the United States.

He emphasized his experience in high positions such as a judge at the Supreme Court, head of the Board of Audit and Inspection and prime minister as proof of his competence.

“While serving various positions, I learned about the problems the nation faces, and how to resolve them,” he said. “It will be rewarding if I can utilize these experiences for the betterment of Seoul and its people.”

Kim said the capital, which looks magnificent in appearance, is fraught with social problems such as a high suicide rate and a high number of motor accident fatalities.

“It is known that Seoul records the highest pain index in the nation.”

Kim added that he wants to rescue those in the lowest income bracket who are experiencing extreme financial hardship.

The eventual winner will compete against incumbent Mayor Park Won-soon of the main opposition Democratic Party, which is expected to merge into a new opposition coalition by the end of this month with independent lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo’s camp.

Won in bid for Jeju governor

Meanwhile, former Saenuri Party lawmaker Won Hee-ryong declared his bid for Jeju governor, stressing that the resort island is his mother’s hometown.

“I grew to be a politician thanks to the support of Jeju people. I always appreciate that,” Won told a press conference held on the island.

He explained that he decided to run for governor in order to return their kindness, adding that he will change Jeju and this will change Korea.

The remarks were construed as indicating his future presidential ambition.

He has however attracted criticism including from sitting Governor Woo Keun-min for declaring his bid only after the party decided a primary rule which is expected to work in his favor.

The governing camp decided Thursday to conduct a public opinion survey to select a final candidate for the gubernatorial race, as requested by Won. The former lawmaker is ahead of the incumbent governor in some of the latest surveys.

The decision drew fierce complaints from Woo who preferred a combination of methods including votes from party delegates and selected members of the public.

Woo said Saturday that he will not accept the party’s decision, signaling that he would leave it to run as an independent candidate.