LKP reaching out to ‘old guard’ for June polls

The largest conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP) is choosing politicians regarded as the “old guard” as its candidates for the June 13 local elections, in the face of troubles recruiting new faces.

Critics say, however, those candidates are too old to bring a new wave to the party.

The LKP is likely to nominate former Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-soo for Seoul mayor against candidates of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, according to the party officials. Kim is known to be open to the possibility.

The party is also considering nominating former lawmaker Kim Tae-ho as a candidate for South Gyeongsang Province governor and former six-term lawmaker Rhee In-je as a candidate for South Chungcheong Province governor.

If Kim Moon-soo runs for Seoul mayor, the candidates for the precinct will likely be narrowed down to three candidates from the three leading parties; incumbent Mayor Park Won-soon of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, Ahn Cheol-soo of the Bareun Mirae Party and Kim Moon-soo of the LKP.

Meanwhile, the DPK has plenty of strong candidates. The party even decided to vote on a final candidate for Seoul mayor and Gyeonggi Province governor.

Kim Moon-soo, a three-term lawmaker, is considered almost the least-experienced bidder the LKP has, as the party has been failing to recruit one for the post. Kim received an offer from party leader Hong Joon-pyo.

Even Hong’s effort is unlikely to bear fruit, however, as Kim’s nomination embraces risks as he is considered a loyalist to the former President Park Geun-hye amid the nation’s anti-Park sentiment after her impeachment. Also, Hong’s move is drawing criticism that he is trying to attract “old” lawmakers rather than find a new face.

A group of experienced politicians in the LKP gathered and criticized Hong for failing to find a better candidate for Seoul mayor.

One LKP lawmaker suggested Hong should run for the post instead unless he finds someone better.

The LKP had considered nominating former Government Legislation Minister Lee Seog-yeon, but Lee rejected the offer. Also, LKP leader Hong tried to reach out to Hong Jung-wook, an ex-lawmaker and chairman of Herald Corp., as well as former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former presidential chief of staff for policy Kim Byeong-joon with offers for the party ticket, but they refused.

Meanwhile, Hong also reached out to former lawmaker Kim Tae-ho to ask him to run for governor of South Gyeongsang Province, where Hong himself has served as a governor. The governor seat has been vacant for almost a year since Hong resigned to run for president.

Kim Tae-ho is also an experienced politician from the Park presidency. However, he is not well known to the voters compared to his rival.