Yoo Seung-min: "People Power Party Must Show Change and Innovation"

On the afternoon of the 20th of last month, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min is giving a greeting speech at the announcement event titled 'The Lost 10 Years of Park Won-soon's Administration, A Promise for a New Leap' held at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Choyoung] Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min urged the preliminary candidates ahead of the Seoul and Busan mayoral candidate debates on the 14th, saying, "I hope you show a face of change and innovation so that people can say, 'The People Power Party has really come to its senses. It is competent, rational, and reformist. Now we can trust it.'"

On the same day, Yoo said on his Facebook, "This week, our party will begin debates to select candidates for the Seoul and Busan mayoral elections," adding, "I hope the candidates do well, and I want to say one thing."

He pointed out, "While pledges are important, what is more important is whether our party can be recognized by citizens for change and innovation this time," and added, "Just 10 months ago, in the April 15 general election, we suffered a crushing defeat, and the fundamental reason was that our party failed to change and innovate."

He continued, "In particular, the defeat in the metropolitan area, among centrist voters, and young voters was because even after the impeachment, the party failed to undergo fundamental reflection and self-examination, and failed to pursue change and innovation toward a healthy reformist conservatism," adding, "When we faithfully uphold the constitutional values of a democratic republic, are competent in the economy and security, and lead change and innovation that embody the spirit of the times, the people will see hope in our party and give us their trust."

Furthermore, he said, "Even though a by-election is being held due to the power-related sexual crimes of the former Democratic Party mayor, it is by no means a situation to be complacent about," and added, "We must give trust to the citizens who say, 'I dislike the Democratic Party's incompetence and arrogance, but still cannot turn to the People Power Party' in order to win the election."

The People Power Party plans to hold the first round of candidate debates for Busan mayoral candidates this afternoon (15th), followed by the first round of Seoul mayoral candidate debates on the 16th, the second round of Busan debates on the 18th, and the second round of Seoul debates on the 19th.