[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae officially announced her presidential bid on the 20th, drawing attention to how it will affect the Democratic Party's presidential race. As the pro-Moon (친문) hardline support base, which harbors strong antipathy toward Yoon Seok-yeol, the leading opposition presidential candidate and former Prosecutor General, forms a support base for former Minister Chu, there are prospects that the ruling party's presidential landscape could be shaken. On the other hand, some within the party analyze that former Minister Chu's emergence could work to the advantage of the opposition.
On the same day, former Minister Chu officially declared her presidential challenge on her Facebook, stating, "I have decided to raise the flag toward a 'world where people are valued highly'." Her official campaign announcement is scheduled to be held on the 23rd through her YouTube channel, 'Chu Mi-ae TV.'
Former Minister Chu's core support base consists of hardline supporters who shout for 'prosecutorial reform' and 'defending Cho Kuk.' After attending the launch ceremony of the Reform People's Movement Headquarters (Gaegukbon) Yeongnam branch held in Busan on the 12th, she posted on Facebook, "My heart races at the hand placards and chants of 'We are Chu Mi-ae.' I will also join the path to a world where honest sweat receives fair treatment." Gaegukbon is an organization that led the 'Defend Cho Kuk' candlelight rallies in 2019.
Meanwhile, a poll showed that former Minister Chu ranked third in suitability as a ruling party presidential candidate. According to a survey commissioned by Money Today The 300 and the Future Korea Research Institute to the polling firm PNR Research, conducted among 1,003 adult men and women nationwide, former Minister Chu recorded 6.1%, placing third. Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung took first place with 33.3%, and former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon ranked second with 13.6%.
However, some within the ruling party pointed out that former Minister Chu's entry could be advantageous to the opposition. There is concern that the presence of former Prosecutor General Yoon, who stands in opposition and was involved in the so-called 'Chu-Yoon conflict' last year, could be further amplified by former Minister Chu's appearance.
Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae, one of the ruling party's presidential candidates, also expressed concern about former Minister Chu's presidential challenge, saying, "Many people are worried."
On the 21st, appearing on BBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-soo's Morning Journal,' Lee said, "Who could stop her from running?" but emphasized, "What is clear is that in the process of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol becoming a presidential candidate today, it was not so much that he grew on his own, but rather that our side nurtured him to some extent. It is necessary to respond while carefully considering that."
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