[Local Election Relay Interview] ④ Lee Jeong-hyun "Having Won in Suncheon, I Can Make a Splash Again This Time"

Jeonnam Governor Preliminary Candidate Lee Jeong-hyun

Honam's 4th Industrial Revolution City Transformation Pledge
"Governor from the Same Root for 27 Years
No Competition Means Only Status Quo"

Former Saenuri Party leader Lee Jung-hyun is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 8th. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Former Saenuri Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) leader Lee Jung-hyun has endured a difficult period over the past five years. The impeachment of the former president dealt a fatal blow to Lee’s political career, which was just beginning to take root in Honam, often called the graveyard of conservatism. However, after losing in the 21st general election, he spent two years working with experts in various fields to develop policies and strengthen his foundation. Lee, who caused an upset in conservative history, is now challenging the position of governor of Jeollanam-do in the upcoming June 1 local elections. While fully aware that public sentiment in Honam cannot be changed overnight, he decided to run with the belief that sincerity will resonate. He emphasized that he will shape the contest around the theme of ‘Jeollanam-do of Life’ rather than ‘Jeollanam-do of Politics.’

Below is a Q&A with former leader Lee.

- What issues does Jeollanam-do face?

▲ For 27 years, five governors have served nine terms, all from the same rooted party. Imagine a regime that has never changed power and has ruled nine consecutive times. Can a country develop under the same line, philosophy, and method with the longest continuous rule? Without competition, it is difficult to expect anything beyond maintaining the status quo.

- What is the core policy for Honam?

▲ I will make Honam the capital of the 4th industrial revolution. We will focus on fostering so-called ABC industries?Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and Cloud?in Jeollanam-do. We will develop Jeollanam-do as the global supply hub for urban air mobility vehicles and the main production base for AI robots. Additionally, government attention is needed to create living conditions (finance, schools, medical facilities, shopping centers, etc.) that knowledge workers from large and medium-sized enterprises will willingly come to.

- In a situation where the opposition holds a majority in the National Assembly, what kind of relationship should the Yoon Suk-yeol government have with the Democratic Party?

▲ It is an undeniable reality. If numbers don’t work, persuasion is necessary. Persuasion is achieved through dialogue and compromise. The core of compromise is mutual concession. If one tries to monopolize, dominate, or monopolize power, the game breaks down. Even if one tries to win every time, the political situation becomes deadlocked. In Germany, the first and second parties go beyond cooperation to form coalition governments. Political development and coexistence politics happen more in a minority ruling party situation than in a majority ruling party. If the opposition abuses power, public sentiment will inevitably create a minority ruling party.

- Did Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, play a significant role in this presidential election?

▲ Regarding Lee’s Honam policy, I rate it very highly. What Lee showed in this presidential election was the abandonment of giving up on Honam. Until now, the People Power Party had given up on Honam, neglected it, and never came. But Lee took a bus down on Lunar New Year morning and climbed the difficult Mudeungsan Mountain to watch the sunrise. Regardless of votes, he visited Jeollanam-do as many times as other regions. Also, seeing him raise issues that the general political circles had not addressed before, I got the impression for the first time that the People Power Party had abandoned giving up on Honam.

Former Saenuri Party leader Lee Jung-hyun is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 8th. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

- Former President Park Geun-hye appeared on the YouTube channel of lawyer Yoo Young-ha, who is running for mayor of Daegu. How do you evaluate this?

▲ Well, what immediately comes to mind is that it is human nature to express gratitude to those who stood by you during difficult and hard times. Setting aside political support, I think it is a gesture of thanks to those who helped her when she was struggling. I don’t want to interpret it beyond or below human nature; it is simply a heartfelt expression that anyone can have.

- Why do you challenge despite the likelihood of a difficult outcome?

▲ The most common thing I hear is that if I win, the sun will rise in the west. I once lost in Gwangju with 39.7% of the vote, and I was elected twice as a conservative candidate in Suncheon. I chose a difficult path, overcame it, and attempted change. I was also once the leader of a conservative party from Honam. I believe I can cause a stir this time as well.