Won Hee-ryong: "Yoon's Fukushima Contaminated Water Remarks, If His Own Opinion, Show Lack of Basic Qualifications"

"Choi Jae-hyung's Candidacy Declaration, Utterly Disappointing"
"Presidential Candidate, A Place to Prove Competence, Not Just Experience"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Won Hee-ryong, former governor of Jeju Province and a presidential candidate of the People Power Party, harshly criticized former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung on the 5th for their lack of preparation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 5th, after registering as a preliminary presidential candidate at the Central Election Commission in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, former Governor Won spoke to reporters and made sharp remarks about former Prosecutor General Yoon and former Chairman Choi.

Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon, he said, "I am closely watching whether Yoon is unprepared or if his life and thoughts are filled with outdated ideas that do not fit the times." He strongly criticized, "If his thoughts on issues such as working hours, the choice of unsafe food, perspectives on Japan, and remarks on Fukushima contaminated water are genuinely his own, then he lacks not only preparation but also the basic qualifications to be president." He added, "I will engage in rigorous verification and debate on this point," signaling a strong offensive.

He continued, "While I will fight back against personal attacks and slanderous tactics, if we choose a president who is unprepared regarding the vision, methods, and plans for managing the Republic of Korea after Moon Jae-in, it will be unfortunate for both the individual and the country if we are swayed by the moment."

He also expressed concerns about former Chairman Choi’s presidential bid announcement the previous day. He said, "I saw former Chairman Choi’s announcement yesterday and was deeply disappointed," adding, "It is puzzling how he thinks about the position of president when he is not even prepared to answer basic questions about Korea, which ordinary citizens all have their own opinions on."

He further stated, "A presidential candidate is not someone who studies or gains experience after declaring candidacy. It is a position to prove one’s life experience and public readiness and capability as a national leader. If you are not prepared to prove this, then study and gain experience first, and challenge later," he criticized.

Separately, former Governor Won posted on social media, "While I highly regard former Chairman Choi’s life record and character, does he really think he can become president with just ‘vague thoughts’ and ‘good words’?" He added, "Preparation for national governance cannot be organized by studying for a month or two. Declaring candidacy without being prepared is a tremendous disrespect to the people."

Additionally, former Governor Won criticized the fact that former Prosecutor General Yoon and former Chairman Choi’s camps have been boasting about recruiting figures from inside and outside the party. He said, "They declared candidacy immediately after joining the party without presenting any policies or visions, cannot answer basic questions, and keep making statements out of touch with the times. They are calling lawmakers and announcing recruitment of party members. While there should be competition to expand the party’s base, starting with old-fashioned politics from the beginning suggests that their fundamental philosophy about politics is flawed." He continued, "Leading unprepared candidates in that direction seems like old-fashioned politics of division and factional fights, and it seems like their close aides are competing for achievements and excessive loyalty to build their own reputation," he said.