Lee Kwang-jae: "Lee Jae-myung, Make a 'Big Decision'... Yoo Seung-min and Won Hee-ryong Are Better Than Yoon Seok-youl"

Lee Kwang-jae, a member of the Democratic Party who declared his presidential candidacy, is attending and speaking at a discussion hosted by the Korea Journalists Association held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 15th. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Lee Kwang-jae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who declared his candidacy for the presidential election, has requested a 'generous decision' from Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung to postpone the primary election.

On the 21st, Lee said on BBS Radio's "Park Kyung-soo's Morning Journal," "During the presidential primary, President Moon Jae-in also made concessions regarding the primary process, and each time his approval rating rose," adding, "The public is more concerned about issues like vaccines, when COVID-19 will end, disaster relief funds, and real estate problems. I think it would be reasonable to first resolve livelihood issues and then hold the primary around the time the People Power Party holds theirs. It would be good if Governor Lee Jae-myung also makes a generous decision."

The Democratic Party has scheduled a party members' meeting on the 22nd regarding this matter. Lee said, "I believe it won't happen immediately tomorrow, and primary rules are always intense," adding, "I hope a grand compromise will occur without going to a vote at the party affairs meeting." He emphasized, "In such situations, I think the most wise path is for the person leading in the polls to make a sudden concession to save the party and raise approval ratings."

Regarding the party constitution's condition for postponing the primary, which requires a 'significant reason,' he said, "After losing the Seoul and Busan mayoral elections, the Democratic Party is essentially in an emergency state, and over 50% believe the regime should be changed," adding, "I think it would be good to first decide on some extraordinary measures and how to gather the people's hearts, and then demonstrate a model of overcoming COVID-19 well, showing change befitting the ruling party."

He also anticipated dialogue among candidates. Lee said, "After the party members' meeting, I think representatives of the candidates will be appointed to have sufficient behind-the-scenes talks, followed by direct talks among the candidates. This process seems inevitable." It is expected that attempts will be made to reach an agreement among the parties involved.

Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, he said, "I believe the public wants an era of prosecutorial reform, not a return to a prosecutorial republic," adding, "I actually think former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min or Governor Won Hee-ryong have superior national management capabilities compared to former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. I also believe his support will decline."

He continued, "The question is how to lead a divided country toward unity, but isn't he one of the main causes of this huge division? Ultimately, we need to open the future of the Republic of Korea, not just have a famous or well-known person," he said.

Regarding former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon, he said, "He said he would keep his promise. However, the Moon Jae-in administration should not be a simple regime continuation but an innovative government. Only then will young people have opportunities to work, marry, and buy homes. In that regard, I share many common views with him."

Regarding Choi Jae-hyung, Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, he said, "From the time he audited nuclear power plant issues, I observed the Q&A sessions as the chairman of the Budget Committee and felt, 'He is preparing to run for president,'" adding, "When people with personnel authority over thousands or tens of thousands of officials keep the presidential election in mind while in public office, the country truly suffers. It's regrettable."