Yoo Seung-min Says He "Showed Leniency" to Conservative YouTuber Who Rushed at Park Chung-hee's Birthplace

On the afternoon of the 19th, Yoo Seung-min, a former lawmaker and presidential candidate from the People Power Party, visited the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in Sangmo-dong, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk. Meanwhile, supporters of the Our Republican Party and members of conservative groups protesting the visit surrounded Yoo and his party, trapping them in the crowd.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, said that the public sentiment in the TK region as a whole differs from the attitude of conservative group members who directly criticized him.

Former lawmaker Yoo made these remarks today (20th) after visiting Bullo Market in Daegu during a meeting with reporters. Earlier, on the 19th, during his visit to the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in Gumi, he experienced a disturbance caused by some conservative group members, including supporters of the Our Republican Party and supporters of former President Park Geun-hye. These individuals held up placards to protest, lay down on the ground to block Yoo’s entry to the birthplace, and even blocked his vehicle’s departure, causing delays.

Regarding the incident he experienced the day before, Yoo said, "Those people are members of the Our Republican Party. I believe the overall sentiment of the TK region is not like that." He added, "I am well aware that especially the elderly have very hurt feelings toward me following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye," and said, "I will take every opportunity to ease their hearts and sincerely reconcile."

On the news that a conservative YouTuber who rushed at him was reported to the authorities, Yoo explained, "I think someone reported him after seeing the footage (recorded on video)," and added, "I received a call from the Gumi Police Station yesterday, so I just confirmed his identity and asked for leniency." He also reaffirmed his presidential bid by saying, "If the citizens and residents of Daegu open their hearts and think of me once more, I will definitely regain power and resolve your grievances."

He also commented on the competitive dynamics with other presidential candidates within the party, such as former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo. Yoo said, "I know that among the People Power Party candidates, I am still somewhat behind former Prosecutor General Yoon and lawmaker Hong." However, he expressed confidence by stating, "The recent rise in Hong’s approval ratings over the past two to three weeks is due to a temporary influx of Democratic Party supporters and younger voters," and added, "I am a more formidable opponent to the Democratic Party candidates than either former Prosecutor General Yoon or lawmaker Hong."