Shinje Yeon Joined Yoon: "I Will Not Join the People Power Party... Spouse's Allegations Must Be Clarified"

"Different Appearances but Coexisting is Democracy"

Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate (right), Shin Ji-ye, head of the Korean Women's Political Network and newly appointed senior vice chairman of the New Era Preparation Committee, and Kim Han-gil, chairman of the New Era Preparation Committee, are posing for a commemorative photo at the welcoming ceremony for new appointees held on December 20, 2021, at the New Era Preparation Committee office in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] Shin Ji-ye, the senior vice chairperson who abruptly joined the New Era Preparation Committee, a direct organization under Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, stated on the 20th that she "has not joined the People Power Party."

At a press conference held that day, Senior Vice Chairperson Shin said, "In fact, the People Power Party and I do not share 100% of the same policy directions. I have not yet given up on the dream of a third political zone."

Regarding this, Kim Han-gil, chairperson of the New Era Preparation Committee, explained, "Almost everyone working with the New Era Preparation Committee is not a supporter of the People Power Party," adding, "I am not a supporter either. I believe that if those aiming for regime change express their views from their respective positions, regime change can be realized." The Democratic Party side also stated that they did not make a separate recruitment offer to Senior Vice Chairperson Shin.

About Lee Jun-seok, the People Power Party leader who has been at odds with Senior Vice Chairperson Shin, she said, "I have debated with Leader Lee and met him frequently on broadcasts, and I never felt that communication was impossible," adding, "Of course, there were many frustrating moments, but debate is fundamentally about continuous persuasion." She also said, "Since I am not a party member, I am not trying to change the People Power Party, so I am not overly worried," and added, "Rather, I am thinking of inviting him to have a meal together."

Regarding internal factions opposing her recruitment to the New Era Preparation Committee, she said, "People within the People Power Party and others may be concerned because my participation in the New Era Committee goes against past camp frameworks, but I intend to maintain my original intentions and worldview while seeking ways to persuade and cooperate." She emphasized, "Though our appearances and lifestyles differ, coexistence is democracy."

When asked how she would handle issues related to allegations against Yoon candidate’s spouse, Kim Geon-hee, she said, "It is necessary to clarify the facts and explain them in a way that the public can accept," adding, "On the other hand, when we look at politicians, we should criticize properly but also create an environment where they can apologize sincerely. I believe that Yoon and his spouse can do that." She further added, "However, many people on internet communities engage in face judgments and sexual attacks against the candidate’s spouse, which should not happen; it should lead to healthy criticism."

Regarding why she does not support Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, she stated, "Because the Democratic Party defends a candidate who murdered a woman by claiming diminished mental capacity and attacks victims through power-related sexual crimes and secondary victimization." On the issue of Lee’s son, she said, "Prostitution is a crime," and added, "Even if it is his own son, if it is a crime, the candidate should firmly investigate the truth, ensure punishment where necessary, and show an apology to the public."

Meanwhile, Chairperson Kim drew a line on political speculation that the New Era Preparation Committee’s activities might lead to a future political realignment, saying, "For now, we are fully committed to regime change." He added, "Political realignment is not something that happens just because someone plans or tries it. Although there have been a few cases during military regimes in our political history, none succeeded," and said, "Political realignment naturally follows when there is a major trend or spirit of the times supporting it, so the idea that the New Era Preparation Committee is preparing for such a realignment is far from the truth."