Joo Ho-young belittles first-term party leader theory... "Like hiking a back mountain, can't reach Everest (presidential election)"

"Kim Woong·Lee Jun-seok Surge, Impact of Recognition"
"Hong Joon-pyo's Reinstatement, No Negative Effect Expected"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Representative Joo Ho-young, who challenged the People Power Party leadership race, emphasized the importance of experience by mentioning that "aspiration alone is not enough" for a first-term representative and referring to his hiking skills being at the level of a local hill. He also pointed to "recognition" as the reason behind the surge of first-term candidates.

Joo Ho-young, a member of the People Power Party, holds a press conference related to his declaration of candidacy for the June party convention at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the 11th, Representative Joo appeared on CBS Radio’s "Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show" and explained his reasons for running for party leader. He said, "I think it is desirable that first-term members are thinking about the party’s future and taking on challenges," but added, "Those mentioned (Representative Kim Woong of the People Power Party and former Supreme Council member Lee Jun-seok of the former United Future Party, the predecessor of the People Power Party) regularly appear on TV debates, so even if their political experience is short, their names are well known to the public, which I believe results in relatively high approval ratings." He suggested that high approval ratings reflect recognition rather than political skill.

Representative Joo stated, "This presidential election is not only a matter of South Korea’s fate but also a critical election that will determine whether our party regains power and continues to exist or becomes the opposition for 10 years. It should not be used as a stage for individual political growth." He continued, "If we want to climb Everest, we cannot just hike local hills; we need to have experience with mid-level mountains like Seoraksan or Jirisan and lead an expedition team. I believe the public will judge well those who want to take on this great battle of the presidential election with only aspirations and no direct experience."

Regarding the reinstatement of independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo, he said, "Ahead of next year’s presidential election, I believe that opposition unity and harmony are essential for victory, so it is not right to say that some are allowed and others are not," adding, "Reinstatement was already permitted under the same conditions for Representatives Kwon Seong-dong and Kim Tae-ho." He further stated, "Yesterday, Representative Hong said that he spent about 400 days outside the party reflecting on himself, so even if he is reinstated, I believe he will not bring any negatives to our party."

On the recruitment of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, who is leading the presidential candidate opinion polls, he said, "I feel a bit insulted by the idea of trying to do something about someone outside our party," but added, "For regime change, the opposition must not be divided and must unify and consolidate, so I clearly believe that everyone must come together through some process."