Jung Chung-rae of the Democratic Party of Korea said publicly that he has former lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae in mind for a strategic nomination in the by-election.
On the afternoon of the 20th at the National Assembly, Jung held a press briefing and explained his position on strategic nominations for the by-election. Jung said, "Incumbent Democratic Party lawmakers who have been finalized as candidates for metropolitan mayors and governors will resign en masse on the 29th," adding, "At 11 a.m. Thursday this week, we will hold a campaign launch event for metropolitan mayor and governor candidates in the party leader's conference room."
Regarding strategic nominations for the by-election, Jung said, "We will move as swiftly as lightning, like we did for local election nominations," adding, "We have largely firmed up the outline."
As for what kind of figure would receive a strategic nomination, Jung pointed to "party first, self later." Jung said, "In the case of former lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae, despite being a strong candidate for Gangwon governor, he showed party-first spirit to candidate Woo Sang-ho and moved many people," adding, "In Gangwon as well, there are many voices who feel regretful about Lee, and there are growing calls that he should be given a chance in this by-election."
Jung added, "In the case of former lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae, I think he would be highly competitive even if he runs in one of those places that have recently emerged as hot spots."
Jung also said of former party leader Song Young-gil that he is "keeping (a strategic nomination) in mind," and said he also "plans to meet" Ha Jung-woo, senior secretary for AI future planning.