Kim Yong, former deputy head of the Democratic Research Institute, criticized Spokesperson Kim Nam-kuk of the Democratic Party of Korea, who signaled a run in the Ansan area, saying, "He is a very close junior colleague of mine, and he once received a strategic nomination last time. For that reason, receiving another strategic nomination is a 'special favor.'"
On the 21st on MBC Radio, Kim, the former deputy head, was asked about the June by-elections and said, "All the facts of my case have come to light, and I am doing my utmost, so I think there is a good chance I will receive the nomination." Kim, the former deputy head, was sentenced to five years in prison on appeal on charges of taking illegal political funds and is currently out on bail. A Supreme Court ruling is pending.
Recently within the Democratic Party, negative public opinion has been growing over the former deputy head Kim running in the by-elections. Kim, the former deputy head, wants to run in the Ansan or Hanam area, but with a final Supreme Court ruling pending, the party is reluctant to grant a nomination.
On the 20th, Party Leader Jung Chung-rae announced a plan for a strategic nomination for former lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae but was guarded in his words regarding the former deputy head Kim. Meeting reporters after a livelihood-experience event on Yokji Island, Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang, that day, Jung responded to Kim's "special favor" remark by saying only, "No comment."
At the livelihood-experience site that day, Spokesperson Kim Nam-kuk and Party Leader Jung Chung-rae were also seen exchanging jokes about "nominations." While planting sweet potatoes during the event, when Jung told Kim, "This isn't very good—do you think you'll get a nomination like that?" Kim replied, "If I collapse here, do I get a nomination?"