Jung Chung-rae 'still thinking' on re-election bid, says Democratic Party aide

Han Min-su, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker serving as chief of staff to party leader Jung Chung-rae, said Wednesday that Jung has yet to decide whether to step down and seek re-election as party leader. "I asked him about it last night," Han said. "He told me he wants to think it over a little more."

Han made the remarks in response to a question about the timing of Jung's potential resignation during an appearance on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" that morning.

He said the final decision rests with Jung himself, adding that a scenario in which one candidate's entry depends on another's would not hold up well in practice.

Asked whether he would urge Jung to run again, Han said he had witnessed firsthand Jung's commitment heading into the local elections and his efforts to coordinate and advance party, government and presidential office priorities — including prosecutorial reform. "I know his sincerity better than anyone," Han said. "If he is given the opportunity, I think it would be good for him to seek the judgment of our party members once more."

He added that "ultimately, it will be the party members — the true owners of the party — who make all the decisions."

On whether he himself would run for a supreme council seat, Han said many people had encouraged him to do so, adding that he was giving the matter careful thought.