[21st General Election] Minsaengdang Remains 'Silent'... Sohn Hak-kyu Says "Exit Polls Are Disappointing"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The leadership of the Minsaeng Party all wore grim expressions on the 15th as the joint exit poll results of the 21st National Assembly general election by the three major broadcasters (KBS, MBC, SBS) were announced.

Standing Election Committee Chairman Sohn Hak-kyu and Co-Chairpersons Kim Jeong-hwa and Jang Jeong-suk remained silent around 6:15 p.m. at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, as the TV in the situation room showed projections that the Minsaeng Party would not secure a single seat. Shortly after Chairman Sohn’s briefing, the entire leadership stood up and left the venue around 6:46 p.m.

Chairman Sohn said, “The exit poll results are very disappointing,” adding, “While we acknowledge some shortcomings on our part, the election is once again swept up in a major regional and ideological divide. I am deeply concerned that our politics might turn into a battleground dominated by the two major parties.”

He continued, “We had hoped for the election of many senior lawmakers in Honam, but the current situation looks quite pessimistic,” and said, “If our politics continue to be a confrontation between left and right, conservatives and progressives, or a regional clash between Yeongnam and Honam, then the economy, livelihood, security, and peace will not be able to find their proper path. This is a matter of great concern.”