Woo Sang-ho "Moonism Marketing? Elections Are Reality... Naturally Inducing Support"

Criticism of Pro-Moon Exploitation... "Elections Are Reality... It's Natural to Guide Supporters"
Expressing Strength as a Unifier of Progressive Supporters

Woo Sang-ho, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Woo Sang-ho, a member of the Democratic Party running in the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election, said regarding the criticism of 'pro-Moon Jae-in marketing' that "it is a natural activity to induce support."

On the 25th, after a briefing on housing supply measures held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, Woo Sang-ho said in a Q&A with reporters, "It is similar to Na Kyung-won suddenly turning to the far-right to win the favor of the pro-Park Geun-hye supporters." Woo said, "That is a sudden change, but I have never deviated from the big framework of 'Kim Dae-jung - Roh Moo-hyun - Moon Jae-in' and have always been together." He also added that Seoul mayoral candidates should prominently present the big concept of protecting Moon Jae-in.

He also mentioned that the situation is different from the Seoul mayoral election he challenged three years ago. He said, "At that time, there was a powerful candidate named Park Won-soon, and it was a 1-strong 2-middle situation, with support rates so high that it was difficult to cross the river," indicating a big difference. Regarding the fact that his competitor, former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun, is leading in various opinion polls, he said, "Although Park Young-sun is leading, it cannot be seen as overwhelming support like Mayor Park Won-soon three years ago."

He also emphasized his identity as a 'common people's' candidate. He said, "Ultimately, to compete with the conservative opposition led by Ahn Cheol-soo, Na Kyung-won, and Oh Se-hoon, a candidate representing the common people must emerge," adding, "A candidate who wipes the tears of the common people and helps those in difficulty will have competitiveness." Woo especially emphasized, "It is most important to uphold progressive values and unite progressives," and said, "As a unifier of the (progressive) support base, Woo Sang-ho has strengths."

Regarding the merger with the Open Democratic Party, he stated, "At this point, when each party's primary schedule is underway, it is difficult, and the only option is to move toward candidate unification." Woo said, "If three candidates come out and there is a runoff, there will not be enough time for unification," and added, "That is why I am asking to set the primary schedule." He also added that once the candidate is confirmed, candidate unification with other parties such as the Open Democratic Party should be pursued.