Choi Jae-hyung Officially Announces Presidential Run... "Full Review of Nuclear Phase-out"

Clashed Multiple Times with Current Administration Over Nuclear Power Audit Issues During Tenure
Also Emphasized the Future Generation 'Cheongnyeon'

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, is giving a greeting at the Press Room Open Day held at the "Open Camp" set up in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 2nd. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung officially announced his candidacy for the presidential election on the 4th. It has been 37 days since he resigned on June 28. During his tenure as chairman, he clashed several times with the current administration over the audit process related to the 'alleged manipulation of nuclear power economic evaluations.' He came forward with pledges including a full review of the nuclear phase-out policy and fostering the nuclear power industry.

On the same day, Choi held a press conference for his presidential candidacy online via the video conferencing platform Zoom and YouTube, stating, "I will conduct a comprehensive review of the national energy policy, including the nuclear phase-out policy, and institutionalize the rational promotion of energy policies for carbon neutrality," and added, "I will turn the nuclear industry into a full-fledged export industry to create jobs."

Regarding the background of his resignation from the Board of Audit and Inspection, he explained, "I witnessed policies fundamental to the nation being decided and executed without proper legal procedures and without consideration of what is best for the country and its people, solely based on ideology and political purposes at the president's word." He continued, "I felt the limits of the Board of Audit and Inspection's scope of work and faced the choice of either completing my term and leaving with a good reputation or risking criticism to dedicate myself to the Republic of Korea. My choice was the Republic of Korea."

During the audit of the 'Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1,' Choi had previously confronted the current administration amid controversies over external pressure.

With the slogan "Embracing the Future," he also placed emphasis on the future generation, the 'youth.' Choi stated, "Through bold reforms, I will create an environment where companies, the main drivers of job creation, and young challengers can freely thrive," and emphasized, "I will be a president who turns the despair of young people into hope."

Additionally, he promised a "solid social safety net," saying, "Welfare is not about spending taxpayers' money as if it were one's own to buy votes," and "I will ensure that more resources go to those who need them." He also said, "I will appoint the best talents in each field appropriately without being swayed by factions or cliques and run all state affairs with common sense," adding, "It is time to end the tiresome political civil war, reconcile conflicts, and move forward together."

Following his presidential candidacy announcement, Choi will begin actively engaging with public opinion. From the 5th to the 7th, he will tour the Yeongnam region over a 2-night, 3-day schedule to capture the conservative voter base. He plans to visit Daegu and his hometown of Jinhae in Gyeongnam. Jinhae is considered the first destination, but the final schedule is being adjusted considering the travel route. He also plans to visit the Honam region including Gwangju, as well as Chungcheong and Gangwon regions sequentially. As a late entrant, he appears to be focusing on increasing his recognition and "raising support rates" by showing his face to the public. With competition intensifying against former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, Choi faces the challenge of achieving double-digit support ratings.

His campaign team is also being organized mainly around "policy expertise." Cheon Young-woo, chairman of the Korea Future Forum and former foreign and security chief under the Lee Myung-bak administration, is in charge of diplomacy and security. Hwang Jeong-eun, former director of the social welfare corporation Inclover Foundation, is responsible for social welfare. Kim Jong-hyuk, former editor-in-chief of JoongAng Ilbo, oversees media and communications. Among current lawmakers, Kim Mi-ae, Kim Yong-pan, Park Dae-chul, Cho Tae-yong, and Cho Hae-jin have expressed support for Choi and are assisting with election strategy and policies.