Chung quits main opposition party to run independently in by-election

SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) -- Chung Dong-young, a former Cabinet minister and head
of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), withdrew from the party on Friday
and vowed to run independently in an upcoming by-election after having failed to
win a nomination for his hometown district.
"I'm taking off my DP hat for now but will return. I offered my hand to help out
(the party) but doubts have become reality," Chung said at a press conference at
the DP headquarters in Seoul after submitting his party withdrawal form.
The press conference took place as the DP leadership was in the final stages of
completing its candidate nomination process for the April 29 by-election, when
five parliamentary seats will be up for grabs.
Chung, who had served as unification minister and unsuccessfully ran for
president in 2007, sought to run in the Deokjin district in Jeonju, North Jeolla
Province, on the DP's ticket. But party leaders excluded him, saying that a fresh
but competent figure ought to be selected.
Kim Keun-sik, a North Korea specialist at Kyungnam University, is expected to be
tapped as the DP's candidate for the district.
The former party chief, however, hinted that his departure may be temporary, as
he urged his supporters inside the DP to remain with the party and not follow
suit.
The main opposition party has been aiming to turn the elections into an
opportunity to blast President Lee Myung-bak's conservative government.
Chung's departure, however, is expected to send the party into further turmoil
after being hit by an unfolding bribery scandal involving key party lawmakers, as
well as former President Roh Moo-hyun and his family.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)