Jang Dong-hyuk: "Kim Yong is pressuring the party for a nomination in exchange for silence"

[Financial News] Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, claimed on the 27th that former Institute for Democracy vice president Kim Yong is pressuring the Democratic Party of Korea leadership to secure a nomination for the June 3 by-elections for the National Assembly. Kim, a close aide to President Lee Jae-myung, was sentenced to five years in prison in both the first and second trials on charges of receiving illegal political funds from a private operator in Daejang-dong during the Democratic Party's presidential primary. Jang said Kim is trying to win a nomination in exchange for his silence.
At a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Jang said, "There is a reason for Daejang-dong criminal Kim Yong's shamelessness and the pro-Lee faction's support," adding, "It is because Kim Yong's crimes are directly linked to President Lee Jae-myung."
It has recently been reported that about 60 lawmakers within the Democratic Party are calling for Kim's nomination. Kim's side pointed to more than 60 Democratic Party lawmakers as part of a list of "lawmakers supporting Kim's recovery and nomination."
Regarding this, Jang stressed, "If Kim, the link between Daejang-dong and President Lee Jae-myung, speaks out, not only would the indictment not be dropped, but Lee's trial would have to resume immediately," adding, "Kim Yong is pressuring the party for a nomination in exchange for silence."
Kim has previously expressed his intention to run in Ansan Gap, Gyeonggi Province. Separately, the possibility of a run in Hanam-gap, Gyeonggi Province, has also been raised. Jang said in response, "The public will surely judge the ruling party, which is being dragged around helplessly by a criminal's mouth."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is reportedly caught in a "dilemma" over Kim's nomination. Since Kim still has a third trial ahead of him, the party could face criticism if he is elected but later loses his seat. Analysts also say the party leadership, centered on Jung Chung-rae, may find it difficult to readily grant a nomination because Kim is classified as part of the pro-Lee faction. Kang Jun-hyun, the party's chief spokesperson, told reporters that day, "There are various opinions within the party regarding Kim Yong," adding, "The Strategic Nomination Management Committee will make the decision."

haeram@fnnews.com Lee Hae-ram Reporter