Pro-Lee Kang Deuk-gu Fires a Warning Shot at Jung Chung-rae, Says He Will Not Run in the Party Convention

[Financial News] Kang Deuk-gu, a pro-Lee Jae-myung Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 24th that he will not run in the Supreme Council election at the party’s next convention. He said he was taking responsibility as a member of the leadership for the results of the June 3 local elections. He also criticized Jung Chung-rae for describing the local election outcome as a victory, saying it appeared aimed at laying the groundwork for a second term.
At the Supreme Council meeting that day, Kang said, "President Lee says the election result was a warning from the public, but Representative Jung calls it a victory. We should not interpret the warning message sent by the people differently." He added, "I will take responsibility for the results of this local election and will not run in the Supreme Council election."
Jung is expected to step down soon and seek re-election at the party convention scheduled for August 17. Pro-Lee lawmakers are pushing back by raising questions about his responsibility for the local election results. Kang’s decision not to run is also being read in that context.
Kang also referred to Park Soo-hyun, the governor-elect of South Chungcheong Province, who is seen as pro-Jung, saying that he had urged the Democratic Party of Korea to reflect and apologize over the local election results. "We are all the subject of reflection. I am no exception," he said. "In politics, I learned that it is basic to share credit when results are good, but to take responsibility when things go wrong."

uknow@fnnews.com Kim Yoon-ho Reporter