The Democratic Party of Korea said on the 12th that it is pushing a plan to recruit local talent for Ulsan Nam-gu Gap, where a parliamentary by-election will be held due to Rep. Kim Sang-uk's run for Ulsan mayor.
Cho Seung-rae, secretary-general of the party, said at a regular press briefing at the National Assembly that day, "We plan to first settle on a candidate for the Ulsan by-election," adding, "We are discovering capable talent from Ulsan and are currently in contact."
Regarding speculation that Senior Presidential Secretary for AI Future Planning Ha Jung-woo will run in Busan Buk-gu Gap, Secretary-General Cho said, "We are in a period of deliberation to produce the very best and optimal card, the optimal and best candidate, and in that regard, we are reviewing both the Ulsan recruit and Senior Secretary Ha in the same context."
On the 9th, President Lee Jae-myung took a negative view of Senior Secretary Ha's potential run in Busan Buk-gu Gap, saying, "You shouldn't go along just because work comes in." However, Democratic Party Strategy and Planning Committee Chair Lee Yeon-hee appeared on KBS1 "Sunday Diagnosis Live" that day and said, "At first, (Senior Secretary Ha) expressed strong opposition, but the party persuaded a lot, and it has moved to a state of acceptance," adding, "Going forward, the party leader will also meet him around next week to make a strong request."