"Not a Single Word Wrong" "Promise Jjamppong"... Yoon Seok-yeol Faces Fierce Attacks Over Promise Plagiarism Controversy

Yoo Seung-min "Yoon Seok-yeol's pledge for military service members' housing subscription points is exactly the same"
Hong Joon-pyo "Yoon Seok-yeol's real estate policy = Lee Nak-yeon + Lee Jae-myung + Yoo Seung-min"
Won Hee-ryong "Yoon Seok-yeol gets a new nickname, Copy Ninja"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] In the People Power Party's presidential primary, former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's copying of campaign pledges became a controversy. When rival candidates criticized Yoon for copying pledges, Yoon rebutted that the pledges were the result of deliberations by himself and his advisory group. However, the rivals argued that while pledges can be copied, their philosophy and depth cannot be replicated.

On the 23rd, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min criticized Yoon for proposing a campaign pledge to grant an additional 5 points in housing subscription preference to those who have completed military service. This pledge is identical to one previously announced by Yoo.

Yoo pointed out, "I announced a pledge to give extra points in housing subscription to our soldiers who have completed mandatory military service, and it is exactly the same as my pledge," adding, "Even the numbers are identical, not a single word is different." In response, Yoon said, "It is not copied from anyone; members of our expert group conducted individual interviews with young people who have completed military service and gathered this information," and added, "Out of nearly 100 different pledges, to say that one was copied is misleading."

Yoo then requested Yoon to provide the interview materials if they exist. Yoon replied, "Yes," and added, "Any candidate who wants to use the pledges I proposed is welcome to do so; there is no patent on these." Yoo responded, "Plagiarism of pledges is a serious issue," and emphasized, "Our politics should be modernized by using pledges fairly and honestly."

People Power Party lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo mentioned Yoon's real estate policy, stating, "Looking at Yoon's pledges, he mixed those of Jeong Se-gyun, Lee Nak-yeon, Song Young-gil, and even our Yoo Seung-min." Hong continued, "The term 'national interest first' was coined by me," and criticized, "The problem grows because he announces pledges created by his aides rather than his own ideas."

Yoon countered, "What problem is there?" and asked, "Is there a patent on the phrase 'national interest first'?"

Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong also criticized Yoon regarding small business measures. He said, "It seems you have seen several candidates' pledges, but among the small business COVID recovery pledges, mine seems the most perfect, and it looks like you copied it exactly, is that correct?" Yoon responded, "I have also done extensive research with experts, and I think there is much to learn from Governor Won's policies."

In response, Won said, "Isn't that just adding another nickname?" calling Yoon a "Copy Ninja." He added, "When a pledge is made, it reflects serious awareness of reality and numerous problems in that reality, which are discussed and debated. If you only present words and ideas, when faced with reality, that strength does not come through," he criticized.