Opposition Presidential Candidates Question "Why Did You Join?" Amid Yoon Seok-yeol and Choi Jae-hyung's Absence

On the 5th, the People Power Party's preliminary candidates' general meeting for the 20th presidential election primary was held at the National Assembly. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] On the 5th, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidates' full meeting became a 'half-hearted' event, leading some candidates to voice dissatisfaction toward absentees such as former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung.

At the People Power Party presidential primary candidates' full meeting held at the National Assembly that afternoon, Representative Ha Tae-kyung stated, "Following yesterday, there were many unexcused absences again today. I hope all candidates would prioritize the party over personal interests."

Among the candidates, former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and Representative Hong Jun-pyo were absent due to summer vacations, while former Chairman Choi Jae-hyung missed the meeting due to local schedules. They also did not participate in the day-before volunteer activities at the shantytown organized by the party. However, in Choi's case, his wife Lee So-yeon attended on his behalf due to his presidential bid announcement ceremony.

Representative Ha criticized, "Two newly joined members and even those who earnestly requested reinstatement are going outside as soon as the party's official race begins. If they intend to play individually like this, I question why they joined the party in the first place," adding, "If they continue to disregard the party like this, they should recognize that friendly competition will be difficult and engage in team play."

Former Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo also pointed out, "We are here together with the grave mission of regime change while competing. During former candidate Lee Hoi-chang's time, the party was absent for 10 years as everyone only followed the candidate. Isn't there a d?j? vu concern of such a situation now? Candidates are blatantly ignoring the party and its leader."

Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong emphasized, "Why did they even join the party? Was it just to have the party's banner? They show no sincerity or earnestness in what should be done for the one team," and added, "The politics and presidency these people think of is probably a very flawed old-style politics of cronies or their own, and poorly learned politics, which cannot be overlooked."

The meeting was attended by candidates Kim Tae-ho, Ahn Sang-soo, Won Hee-ryong, Yoo Seung-min, Yoon Hee-sook, Jang Ki-pyo, Jang Sung-min, Ha Tae-kyung, and Hwang Kyo-ahn (in alphabetical order).