Potential candidates include former captain of pirated ship, IOC member Moon


The ruling Saenuri Party is still seeking new figures for the upcoming April general elections, especially in Busan and South Gyeongsang Province.

The list of candidates include Seok Hae-kyun, former captain of the 11,500-ton merchant ship Samho Jewelry, which was abducted by Somali pirates last year, as well as IOC member Moon Dae-sung.

Sohn Su-jo, a 27-year-old woman, is also rumored to be considered in the Busan area.

The party’s nomination panel on Monday started interviewing aspiring candidates in Busan, Ulsan and other South Gyeongsang areas, according to officials.

It is in this region, dubbed as the PK belt, where the fiercest battle is expected in April as top opposition figures set out to challenge for their parliamentary seats there.

The list includes the main opposition Democratic United Party’s Supreme Council members Moon Jae-in and Moon Sung-keun, as well as former administration minister Kim Jung-kil.

Though the southern province has long been a conservative stronghold, it is also the hometown of former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun.

Public polls also showed earlier that the DUP had gained an upper hand over Saenuri in the area.

“The second-best option to victory would be to lose strategically, minimizing Moon Jae-in’s political clout in the Busan region,” said a party official.

“For this purpose, we should select a figure with a fresh and innovative image who may stand against Moon.”

The abduction rescue hero Seok nevertheless refrained from speaking out on political speculations.

“I have always agreed that the political circles are void of marine experts,” he said.

“However, I have so far given no consideration to taking a political career and should spare more thoughts on it before taking any actions.”

Sohn has been recommended by local Busan communities but some expressed concerns over her lack of political experience and insights.

Rep. Kim Se-yeon, a junior yet influential politician from Busan, is also being floated as a competent in-party option.

Kim, heir to a rubber factory and son of a former senior lawmaker, is also the youngest member in the current parliament.

He is especially recognized as someone who constantly called for the fundamental change in the party.

“Rep. Kim is not only recognized by the Busan voters but also by fellow lawmakers,” said Rep. Joo Kwang-deok.

“He would be an ideal match to liberal rivals in the region.”

The ruling party is expected to finalize its candidate list by early next month, officials said.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)