Park Yong-jin "Song Young-gil's 'Seoul Mayor' Draft? Does Not Appear Responsible"

"'Not '0.73' but the regime change should be painfully acknowledged'"

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Park Yong-jin. The photo shows Park delivering his policy speech at the joint Seoul rally for the selection of the 20th presidential election candidates, held last October at the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Songpa-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] As the proposal to draft Song Young-gil, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, as the Seoul mayoral candidate emerged, Park Yong-jin, a member of the same party, raised his voice saying, "Returning in the form of a draft does not seem like a very responsible approach."

On the 31st, Park appeared on BBS Radio's 'Park Kyung-soo's Morning Journal' and said, "It is difficult to say that the Democratic Party is currently reflecting properly and innovating," adding, "They suffered a tremendous failure and serious injury by losing power again after five years, but it seems they are not feeling that pain enough."

Park said, "Since there is clearly responsibility that former leader Song must bear for the (presidential election) defeat, I think it is not an easy situation for him to step forward," emphasizing, "If he wants to lay down the burden of the presidential election defeat through the Seoul mayoral election, he should not wait to be drafted but speak up himself."

Regarding the evaluation of 'Jjeotjalsa' (meaning 'lost but fought well') coming from some within the Democratic Party, he said, "In Honam, it is being replaced with remarks like 'Did they lose and still not come to their senses?'" and added, "The Democratic Party should not focus on the figure '0.73' but painfully acknowledge the fact of the regime change after five years."

Furthermore, Park pointed out, "At a time when reflection is needed, they are encouraging themselves with 'Jjeotjalsa,' and at a time when innovation is needed, they are spending time criticizing and attacking the opposing party and the forces preparing for the next government," adding, "'Double standards' criticism is not something we can just laugh off. This is a point where we must deeply reflect."