Kim Min-seok clarifies notebook containing Seoul mayoral candidate list

Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has addressed the controversy surrounding a notebook captured by media in the National Assembly, which contained a list of potential Seoul mayoral candidates and notes regarding political opponents.

During an appearance on the party's official YouTube channel, Kim explained that the names—including Kang Hoon-sik, Woo Won-shik, Jung Chung-rae, and Kim Hyun-jong—were merely notes of individuals being discussed in political circles. He clarified that he had not consulted these individuals regarding their intention to run. Kim also noted that his own initials, ‘MS’, were included in the list, but emphasized he was merely analyzing what kind of candidate would be a ‘winning card’ for Seoul rather than declaring his own candidacy.

The notebook also featured the phrase ‘Lee Jin-sook, Han Dong-hoon OUT’. Kim defended these remarks, stating he is pursuing measures such as expulsion or suspension of qualifications for Lee Jin-sook due to controversies surrounding her views on the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Regarding Han Dong-hoon, Kim alleged legal violations related to the handling of internal documents during a Ministry of Justice hearing, asserting that Han lacks the qualifications to serve as a lawmaker.