Opposition candidate emerges as key variable in parliamentary race

Opposition candidate emerges as key variable in parliamentary race

An opposition candidate taking flak for foul language has emerged as a key variable in the upcoming parliamentary race, political watchers said Saturday. Kim Yong-min, a candidate for the Democratic United Party (DUP), who made a series of vile sexual remarks and derogatory comments to senior citizens, has come under increasing pressure to step down after it was found that he attacked South Korea's Christian churches. The candidate, who is running for a parliamentary seat in Seoul's Nowon district, apologized for his remarks made in the mid-2000s, but the clips of his remarks posted on YouTube have drawn considerable attention and public outcry. Kim, the son of a pastor, said the local protestant church is nothing more than a criminal organization and should be eradicated. South Korea's Christians make up just over a quarter of the population and can influence the outcome of tight elections. He predicted that regardless of who takes power, the church will collapse. The outspoken critic and co-host of a political satire program "Naneun Ggomsuda" also conceded that he called for terrorists attacks against the United States, and suggested the release of a notorious serial killer to murder former U.S. President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Kim also suggested that national TV should air pornography to deal with the country's low birthrate, and removal of escalators and elevators from Seoul City Hall subway station to keep conservative seniors from gathering there to protest liberal policies. The ruling Saenuri Party, which is fighting an uphill battle in the race, has lashed out at Kim and called on him to resign. The conservative party said if he does not, the DUP should make its position clear on the candidate. Church groups have demanded Kim withdrawal and attacked the opposition for picking such a "substandard" candidate. The DUP insiders said they are aware of the potential impact of keeping Kim on, but have been slow to take steps for fear of alienating young supporters who are fans of "Naneun Ggomsuda" and still want the candidate to run for the Nowon seat. Kim's campaign office said that because of the inflow of support, there will be no stepping down, and pledged to do more to meet the expectations of the people. Independent political analysts said the controversy surrounding Kim may be an important factor in the elections slated for Wednesday. Of the 246 district seats up for grabs, 100 are expected to be close races. In addition to the district seats, there are 54 proportional seats divided according to the popularity of parties. They speculated that the debate surrounding Kim could be just as volatile as fallout from the incumbent administration's unlawful surveillance of civilians. (Yonhap)