[Asia Economy, reporter Geum Boryeong] Hong Junpyo, an independent lawmaker, has emphasized the importance of verifying the qualifications and morality of presidential candidates, indirectly criticizing former Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyoul, who is expected to announce his presidential bid at the end of this month.
On June 18, through his Facebook page, Hong stated, "The minimum requirement to become a presidential candidate is to pass both a qualification review regarding the ability to manage state affairs and a morality review of oneself and one's family." He added, "If a candidate cannot pass these two tests, they cannot become president, and the presidency will remain nothing more than a midsummer night's dream."
Hong further remarked, "In the upcoming presidential election, the people will not want to repeat the harsh experience of the past five years, when Moon Jaein, who had little political experience, was elected based solely on his image." He stressed, "Everyone should confidently stand before the public and undergo qualification and morality reviews without the slightest hesitation."
He also said, "This is a critical presidential election in which we must correct the Moon administration, which has dismantled the achievements of the Republic of Korea built over 70 years in just five years, restore the country to normalcy, and make it an advanced, powerful nation." He added, "Once the process for rejoining the party is complete, I will travel the country and first subject myself to qualification and morality reviews by the people."
Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyoul is expected to announce his presidential bid as early as June 27. As Yoon begins to move in earnest, political rivals are stepping up their criticism. Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show' on this day and said of Yoon, "He must be vetted for morality and competence, and he must be tested for his vision for the future. If we simply entrust the country to someone just because they are popular, where will South Korea end up?"
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