[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Former Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Choi Jaesung criticized Song Younggil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 1st, saying, “The leadership and office holders are referees. Referees have never belonged to the team. They must immediately leave the players' locker room,” addressing the party's internal criticism of ‘double standards.’ This refers to the claim that Song is siding with Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung on major issues, including the presidential primary schedule.
Former Secretary Choi stated on Facebook that day, “The primary standard for managing the presidential election is fair competition. However, Song has repeatedly exposed risks related to the presidential election,” adding, “What if people start saying he should step down from managing the election?”
He pointed out that the party’s think tank, the Democratic Research Institute, recently included a basic living income policy in its presidential election policy plan. Choi criticized, “This goes beyond tying a hat string under a plum tree,” explaining, “Basic income is a flagship pledge of a specific candidate and a policy currently under intense debate among candidates. It is inappropriate for the party’s research institute to publicly disclose it as an election policy.”
He continued, “Song has already caused misunderstandings by saying there is a funding plan for basic income,” and “Therefore, this announcement by the research institute is a kind of shock that has crossed the line. It should be withdrawn immediately.”
Choi added, “Personally, I believe that emphasizing basic income, regardless of the content disputes, poses a significant obstacle to regaining power,” and “Not only candidates but also party members like me have differing opinions on basic income. How can it be disclosed as an election policy before the candidate is even decided?”
He concluded, “It may sound obvious, but within the party, we need to be cautious; against the opposition, bold in competition; and to the public, we must show our best efforts.”
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