These days, inside and outside the People Power Party, some are saying, "We haven't even decided on a Seoul mayoral candidate, but lawmaker Kim Jae-seop is taking the lead in the campaign," because Kim has been repeatedly raising allegations against Chong Won-o, the former Seongdong District chief who is widely seen as the leading Democratic Party of Korea candidate.
Lawmaker Kim Jae-seop is a first-term lawmaker who won the 22nd general election in Seoul's Dobong A district—considered a tough district for the People Power Party—by defeating Democratic Party candidate An Gwi-ryeong. Born in 1987, he is also one of the young politicians representing the People Power Party. Recently, as he has styled himself as a "Chong Won-o sniper," his influence and presence within the party have been growing.
In an interview with ChosunBiz on the 8th, Kim said, "On the 2nd, the People Power Party's general meeting of lawmakers became a turning point for the party to shift into election mode." About 60 lawmakers attended the meeting. Taking the podium, Kim said, "I've been having a hard time these days because of Mr. Cancun, teacher Chong Won-o," adding, "I think I must have properly poked at that DNA the Democratic Party has—some uncomfortable parts."
Kim explained in detail to fellow lawmakers how he raised suspicions about a Cancun trip by Chong Won-o, the Democratic Party's preliminary candidate for Seoul mayor. He concluded, "I never fight a losing battle. If you take interest and provide supporting fire, I will make sure we win starting with Seoul so we can win the local elections nationwide."
When Kim finished speaking at the general meeting, lawmakers broke into applause. Park Sang-woong, a deputy floor leader, also encouraged him, saying, "You did something big." For a while, the People Power Party's general meetings had been arenas where the Jang Dong-hyeok leadership, the junior faction, and lawmakers aligned with the pro-Han camp (pro-Han Dong-hoon) clashed, but for once, lawmakers spoke with one voice.
In the ChosunBiz interview, Kim said, "It was the moment I felt we might be able to beat Chong Won-o, that there was hope," adding, "I think lawmakers evaluated positively that I created such a turning point." Kim then listed allegations including the former district chief Chong's farmland suspicions, Deutsch Motors sponsorship suspicions, and the Cancun trip controversy, saying, "(The former district chief) falls short in qualifications as a public official."
Kim argued that if the Democratic Party holds the Seoul mayor's office during President Lee Jae-myung's tenure, Seoul's real estate market could be damaged. He said, "President Lee Jae-myung is choking the real estate market with all sorts of regulations, and the jeonse market that should be available to young people, working-class residents, and newlyweds is drying up," adding, "The Democratic Party must not take the Seoul mayor's office as well."
Regarding the June 3 local elections, Kim said, "I thought the lethargic stance of the Jang Dong-hyeok leadership must not be projected onto this election," adding, "Based on Seoul, we need to show conservative reconstruction, reflection and introspection, and a conservative politics like a fresh spring."
Kim said that after the local elections, the conservative political camp should be reorganized around Seoul. He argued that, to counter the Democratic Party and the progressive camp's "Gangnam left," the "Gangbuk right" should be brought to the forefront of politics. He said, "Instead of Yangnam (Yeongnam and Honam), which used to be the center of politics, Seoul and the greater metropolitan area should become the political center." He added, "Rather than the vested interests that come to mind when you think of the traditional conservative right, if politicians who represent the views of ordinary conservatives in Gangbuk and think about what to do for them become the mainstream of our party, we will be able to win the hearts not only of Gangbuk but also of Gyeonggi Province and the entire country."
Kim said that if the People Power Party sets up an emergency leadership committee system going forward, he could take on a role. Previously, when an emergency committee system was being formed, Kim was mentioned as a possible Chairperson but he declined. Kim said, "If it's just a figurehead role, the chances I would take (the emergency committee chairmanship) are 0%, but if the power, people, momentum, and environment are in place to change (the party), I would do it," adding, "There is a case where someone became party leader in a meteoric rise and it caused problems, so first we should prepare solidly and establish a clear direction to lead the party in every area."
A senior People Power Party lawmaker with a constituency in the PK region said, "In the process of political realignment after the local elections, Kim should take on an important role," adding, "He is expected to serve as a standard-bearer in the greater Seoul area."