Park Young-sun "Need Time to Consider Running for Seoul Mayor... 21st Century, an Era Led by Femininity"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Park Young-sun, Minister of SMEs and Startups, was reserved about her potential candidacy in the Seoul mayoral by-election, stating that she "needs time to think." However, regarding the proposal for a female candidate, Minister Park said, "The 21st century is an era led by femininity," leaving open the possibility of her running.

On the morning of the 27th, in an interview with KBS Radio, when asked, "Are you running in the Seoul mayoral by-election?" Minister Park replied, "I would like to have some serious and careful time to think about that issue."

When asked, "What part are you concerned about?" she said, "The Ministry of SMEs and Startups is working very hard as a symbolic ministry of the Moon Jae-in administration, and small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners are working together through difficulties. I am concerned whether it is right to suddenly quit this."

Regarding the question, "Do you also think you should continue working on matters related to SMEs and venture companies?" she answered, "Currently, I am also considering that it is very important to strengthen and build a solid foundation."

About her recent first-place ranking in a poll on suitability as a Seoul mayoral candidate, she said, "I am very grateful. Therefore, I think I need time to think more humbly, seriously, and carefully."

Regarding the proposal for a female candidate, she said, "I think the 21st century is the era of the 3Fs: Fast, Fair, and Female," adding, "I believe the 21st century is an era led by femininity."

On the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, she was reserved, saying, "The authority for personnel appointments belongs to the President, so I think it is not appropriate for me to comment on that."

Meanwhile, regarding current issues at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, she said, "In the third quarter, there were 343,000 startups, an increase of 13.3% compared to the third quarter of last year," adding, "What is notable is the increase in technology startups. This can be interpreted as a signal that we are moving toward becoming a digital powerhouse."

Regarding issues in the used car industry, she said, "The biggest resistance from used car dealers is the fear that if Hyundai enters, huge capital will come in and monopolize the used car market," adding, "With a protocol economy, used car prices will become transparent, which has the advantage of resolving consumer complaints caused by the current fluctuating used car prices."