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South Korean politician (born 1983) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jang Kyung-tae (Korean: 장경태; born 12 October 1983) is a South Korean politician. A member of the liberal Democratic Party, he is currently the Member of the National Assembly for Dongdaemun 2nd constituency.
Jang Kyung-tae | |
---|---|
장경태 | |
Member of the National Assembly | |
Assumed office 30 May 2020 | |
Preceded by | Min Byung-doo |
Constituency | Dongdaemun B |
Personal details | |
Born | Suncheon, South Jeolla, South Korea | 12 October 1983
Citizenship | South Korean |
Political party | Democratic |
Other political affiliations | Uri (2006-2007) UNDP (2007-2008) UDP (2008) Democratic (2008-2011) DUP (2011-2013) Democratic (2013-2014) NPAD (2014-2015) |
Parent | Jang Hyo-shik (father) |
Alma mater | University of Seoul Yonsei University Sungkyunkwan University |
Occupation | Politician |
Religion | Roman Catholic (Christian name : Andrew) |
Born in Suncheon, South Jeolla, Jang attended Suncheon High School.[1][2][3] Due to his financial difficulties, he once dropped out and was involved in labouring.[4][2] He obtained a bachelor's degree in public administration at University of Seoul, as well as a master's degree in political science at Yonsei University.[1][2][3] He is currently studying a doctorate in public administration from Sungkyunkwan University.[1][2][3]
While studying, Jang joined politics as a volunteer for Kang Kum-sil, who contested for Seoul mayorship under the banner of the then ruling Uri Party in 2006 local elections.[5][6][2] Prior to the 2007 presidential election, he helped Lee Hae-chan, a presidential pre-candidate for the United New Democratic Party (UNDP) who lost to Chung Dong-young.[6][7] He unsuccessfully contested for the Member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council in 2010 local elections.[2]
On 1 April 2013, he announced his intention to run as a candidate for a Vice President of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP),[8] but later lost in preselection.[2] In 2016 election, he ran 24th list in the Democratic Party list, but was not elected;[2] in fact, only up to 13th were elected. As one of rare youth politicians in South Korea,[5] his role model is Tony Blair and David Cameron; both started their political careers in 20s and later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.[6]
On 20 March 2020, Jang was selected the candidate of the Democratic Party for Dongdaemun 2nd constituency in April general election.[3] However, shortly before this, Min Byung-doo, the then MP for the constituency, was excluded from preselection, and announced his intention to run as an independent candidate.[9] There were speculations that this vote split would not lead Jang to be elected,[7] however, on 9 April, Min announced his withdrawal as a candidate and endorsed Jang.[10][11] On 15 April, Jang received 54.54% and defeated the United Future candidate Lee Hye-hoon,[12] who was the MP for Seocho 1st constituency.
On 25 August 2020, during a YouTube livestream with another 2 Democratic MPs — Kim Nam-kuk and Lee Jae-jung, Jang triggered a controversy over his remarks against several United Future MPs who are also the members of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee (LJC).[13][14][15] Shortly after Kim left the venue to join the LJC general meeting, Jang said, "LJC... sounds like fun, uh, no, not fun, but should be exciting."[13][14] Soon, Lee asked him, "Are you enjoying their fighting?"[13][14] Then, Jang replied, "Sorry to hear that. How come they talk nonsense... can I use the term bulls**t? How can we hear their bulls**ts?"[13][14]
Following his remarks, Kim Do-eup, a United Future MP, accused Jang's remarks as an "insult towards the LJC members" and urged the Democratic Party to apologise.[14][15] He also added that the party would take an action against Jang.[14][15] Later, Jang apologised for his remarks.[14][15]
Year | Constituency | Political party | Votes (%) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | Proportional (24th) | Democratic | 6,069,744 (25.54%) | Not elected |
2020 | Dongdaemun 2nd | Democratic | 55,230 (54.54%) | Won |
Year | Constituency | Political party | Votes (%) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | Proportional (8th) | Democratic | 1,790,556 (40.99%) | Not elected |
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