Park Geun-hye Calls for 'Unity'... "Those Who Held Taegeukgi, Please Join Forces Around Existing Major Opposition Parties"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former President Park Geun-hye, who is currently incarcerated, commented on the division within the conservative opposition, urging, "Those who held the Taegeukgi flag should unite around the existing major opposition party." This was a message of 'unity' directed at the conservatives divided by the formation of new parties and mergers.

On the 4th, Park's close aide, lawyer Yoo Young-ha, conveyed this message from the former president at the National Assembly Press Hall.

In a handwritten message, former President Park stated, "Please do not be divided and show a united front before history and the people," adding, "Your patriotism can revive the country. I will also stand with all of you who are united."

She continued, "Although my political journey has been halted by impeachment and imprisonment, I have been deeply concerned even while in detention because North Korea's nuclear threats and deteriorating relations with allied countries could destabilize the nation's future," and "Many people have expressed that life has become increasingly difficult due to the incompetent and dogmatic current ruling power, and they feel hopeless."

Former President Park said, "There were concerns that if things continue as they are, the country might truly go astray," and "Although many voices expressed frustration at the major opposition party's lethargic stance, which should be criticizing and checking the current government's failures, I chose silence out of concern that my words might cause further division."

She added, "However, worrying about the country's future and recalling the sighs and tears of the countless citizens who gathered in the square holding the Taegeukgi flag made me uneasy," and "While I was disappointed by the major opposition party's seeming opportunistic alliances based on political gains and losses, I accepted it as an unavoidable choice to expand the conservative base."

Former President Park said, "The country is in great difficulty. There may be differences and gaps that are hard to bridge, but for a better Republic of Korea, I earnestly ask all of you who held the Taegeukgi flag to unite your strength around the existing major opposition party."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), she expressed, "I heard that there are thousands of confirmed cases domestically and even 30 deaths," adding, "Especially in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, over 4,000 cases have been confirmed, and more cases may occur in the future, which pains my heart deeply. I sincerely hope you endure and overcome this."

Lawyer Yoo later told reporters, "This letter was handwritten by former President Park and was brought through official procedures from the prison," explaining, "She deliberated extensively, and the decision to release this final message was made today." Regarding future political candidacy, he emphasized, "Whether she rejoins the United Future Party or joins the Future Korea Party, I will follow the former president's wishes concerning her path."

He also said, "Former President Park is aware of the situations of parties like the Liberty Unification Party and Our Republican Party," but added, "The message was not written with any specific individuals' mergers or party formations in mind; it was refined over a long period."