Former speaker Kim won’t seek sixth term

Former parliamentary speaker Kim Hyeong-o of the Grand National Party announced that he will not enter candidacy in next year’s 19th general election.

“I hope to contribute to the restoration of public trust on the party by remaining humble and low in the next parliamentary term,” Kim told reporters in Busan on Wednesday.

“As the biggest pending issues, such as the New Town and the Ocean Renovation City, have seen significant progresses, my successor should not face too many difficulties.”

He, however, hinted that his decision was largely affected by external pressure.

“Political capability should not be judged by the person’s age or how many times he or she has been elected in the past,” Kim said.

“What is important is whether he or she may think creatively and suggest new visions.”

As a five-term lawmaker and former speaker, Kim is currently one of the highest-ranking members within the party.

However, it was the general opinion within the party, especially among junior lawmakers from Busan, that senior members should step back in order to renew the party’s image. This was also in response to the public’s anger over the Busan Savings Bank scandal.

“I will remain faithful to my duties during the remaining period of this assembly as member of the party and of the parliament,” Kim said.

“I also hope to play a positive role in next year’s general and presidential races, which are expected to be a hard task for our party.”

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