Choi Jae-hyung Promises a "Better Future"... "Cannot Just Watch the Country Collapse"

Former Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection and People Power Party presidential pre-candidate Choi Jae-hyung is making his presidential campaign announcement on the 4th at Miracle Studio in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung officially announced his candidacy for the presidential election on the 4th, promising a "better future." It has been 37 days since he resigned as chairman on June 28.

At 1:30 PM that day, Choi held a press conference for his presidential bid online via the video conferencing platform Zoom and YouTube, stating, "I will create a better future together with the people who long for a new Republic of Korea."

He spent a considerable amount of time explaining the reason for entering the presidential race. Choi said, "While serving as chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, I called black black and white white, even if it was the current administration's affairs. Some ruling party lawmakers told me, who audited the validity of the early shutdown of Wolseong Unit 1, that if it did not align with the president's state philosophy, I should resign and go into politics."

He continued, "I did not back down. I believed that performing my duties while upholding the law and principles as chairman was the way to love the country," emphasizing, "That is why I resigned from the chairman position with six months left in my term and stood here. As a citizen, I could not just watch the collapsing Republic of Korea."

Along with this, Choi said, "Whether to finish the term as chairman and remain a person with a good reputation or to risk criticism and throw myself for the Republic of Korea, my choice was 'Republic of Korea.'"

Choi, who has shown great interest in youth issues, also emphasized "youth" that day. He said, "I will become a president who turns the despair of young people into hope," adding, "I will remove unreasonable regulations to create an environment where companies can invest freely. Only then can the number of 'good jobs in the private sector' that young people want to work increase. I will correct the tilted playing field centered on labor unions that block youth employment so that fair opportunities are given to young people."

In addition, he pledged to normalize public education, reform the pension system, and conduct a comprehensive review of energy policies including the nuclear phase-out.

Choi said, "I will incorporate each and every thought of the people who want to turn crisis into opportunity," and asked, "Please join me, Choi Jae-hyung, on the path to brighten the Republic of Korea."

Meanwhile, at the declaration ceremony, Choi attracted attention by singing the first verse of the national anthem himself after the national ceremony.