Won Hee-ryong: "Shameless Lee Jae-myung Should First Be Tested for 'Basic Conscience'"

Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Won Heeryong, former governor of Jeju Province and presidential candidate of the People Power Party, criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung as "shameless."

On the 2nd, Won stated on Facebook, "The shameless Lee Jae-myung should first be verified for his 'basic conscience'."

Won resigned from his governor position the day before to run for president. Regarding this, Lee pointed out, "It is regrettable that you seem to regard public office as a power to enjoy rather than a responsibility, or see running for president as an expression of personal greed."

In response, Won said, "It seems Lee believes that being governor and campaigning can coexist. If he believes so, that is his political judgment, so let him do so," but added, "However, he should reflect on himself. Not long ago, he mobilized dozens of public officials and the media late at night to catch a few COVID-19 quarantine violators. Was that the role of a governor in COVID-19 prevention, or was it campaigning to recover poll ratings chased by candidate Lee Nak-yeon?"

Won emphasized, "I decided to be honest with the people and myself while running for president. Can the governor's position and campaigning coexist? I did not run just to raise my name value, did I? As a presidential candidate, I must put everything into campaigning. I cannot perform the governor's role formally, nor can I use the governor's position for campaigning. I apologize to the people of Jeju, but resigning cleanly from the governor's position is my conscience and public ethics, neither more nor less."

He expressed the view that a presidential candidate should first be verified by the people for dignity and conscience. Won said, "Policy vision is important for presidential candidates, but 'dignity' and 'honesty' must be fundamental. The public's pride has been deeply hurt by the truth dispute between Lee and a certain celebrity. Is it right to avoid filing charges as a campaign strategy? If you want to become president, the honorable stance is to immediately file charges now and clearly reveal the truth."