Ex-presidential candidate to stand in by-election

Chung Dong-young, a former presidential candidate, announces his candidacy for the upcoming April 29 by-election in his office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Monday. / Yonhap

By Lee Min-hyung

Former presidential candidate Chung Dong-young plans to contest the April 29 by-election.

"I stayed awake last night, and decided to run,” he told a press conference held at Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on Monday.

Chung's decision came amid rising worries that the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) has a slim possibility of winning all four constituencies.

The former senior NPAD adviser left the largest opposition party in January to help launch a party called the Union of the People. He had earlier said the new party would be the surest way to achieve a change in government.

Chung will stand in the Gwanak-B district, the opposition party's traditional home turf. It is believed his recognition as a political power increases his chances of winning.

"I will devote myself to breaking the conservative ruling party," he said.

But his announcement caused a strong backlash from the NPAD.

"It is regrettable that the former presidential candidate decided to split the opposition parties," said NPAD spokesman Kim Yung-rok. "Chung's candidacy will only benefit the ruling Saenuri Party. He will never win the public's support."

Chung, 62, was unification minister from 2004 to 2005 during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. Chung also ran for the presidency in 2007, but lost to President Park Geun-hye.

"I have to do my utmost to turn the Union of the People into the main opposition party that the public can trust and rely on," he said.