Jin Joong-kwon at Yoo Seung-min Support Group: "Yoon Leads in Approval but Message Lacking, Causing Concern"

On the afternoon of the 20th, former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min and former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon are having a dialogue at the founding general meeting of the 'Hope 22 Companion Forum' held at a cafe in Dalseo-gu, Daegu.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon attended a support meeting for former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min and delivered sharp criticism toward the conservative camp, including former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and newly elected People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok.

On the afternoon of the 20th, at Adams Kitchen in Keimyung University, Daegu, Jin gave a keynote speech titled "True Change in Conservative Politics" at the founding general meeting of Yoo's presidential support group, the "Hope 22 Companion Forum."

In his keynote speech, Jin stated, "Former Prosecutor General Yoon has become a symbol of fairness," adding, "Although the people's aspirations are expressed through the personality of 'Yoon Seok-yeol,' that alone is not enough."

He said, "(Yoon) only talks about legal and formal equality but has never delivered a message about substantive equality. Although he currently ranks first in approval ratings, the lack of a clear message makes the situation unstable," and evaluated, "The presidential election is not a judgment of the past but a choice for the future, so there must be a message directed toward the future. It is still unclear."

Regarding Lee Jun-seok's election as the People Power Party leader, he analyzed, "In the recent (April 7) by-elections, the conservative base learned a winning formula that emphasized rationality and moderation rather than extreme right-wing content, which led to Lee Jun-seok's election surge."

He continued, "The conservatives of the past cannot continue. Past conservatism was characterized by extreme right-wing anti-communism, market fundamentalism, and authoritarianism," and gave a positive assessment, saying, "The Lee Jun-seok system has dismantled authoritarianism and drawn a line against extreme right-wing anti-communism." However, he added, "What I worry about is the market fundamentalism that emphasizes competition."

Jin criticized, "Within the conservative camp, they need to present their own content, but that seems somewhat weak. They have adopted the form of innovation, but the content is quite unstable," and said, "There should be a blueprint for building new leadership, but nothing like that is visible."

He also declared, "South Korea has effectively become hereditary. It is now impossible for people in their 20s and 30s to own a home," adding, "Many young people are investing all their assets in stocks and Bitcoin because they are frustrated. Is there hope in a society with sudden rich and sudden poor?"

Former lawmaker Yoo agreed with Jin's remarks, stating, "True fairness is the state's duty to make the starting line equal and level the tilted playing field so that competition can take place," and predicted, "Leader Lee and the People Power Party will gradually move away from simple meritocracy and competition, and the misconception that innate traits are equivalent to ability, in various aspects such as social welfare and institutional efforts."

Meanwhile, the forum was organized by Yoo's support group, who has long hinted at a presidential re-challenge. Yoo expressed his determination, saying, "I have passion and obsession for solving problems that only the President of South Korea can address, such as your jobs, housing issues, revitalizing our economy, and protecting South Korea safely."