Yoon Sang-hyun: "The Person Leading the Capital Region to Victory Should Become Party Leader"

MBC Radio 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' Appearance
"If a Reverse Selection Prevention Clause Is Added to Jeondaerul, the Current System Is Also Adequate"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] As the People Power Party's leadership election is expected to take place in 'late February to early March' next year, Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the People Power Party stated, "The party leader should be someone who can serve as a driving force for winning elections in the metropolitan area."

Rep. Yoon believes that the success of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration depends on the outcome of the next general election. On the 8th, he appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "Looking at the government's administration over the past seven months, there have been instances of poor political sensibility and many immature aspects," adding, "The party leader should complement and lead in these areas. The person must be capable of persuading and guiding the president and the government."

He also viewed the election outcome as dependent on voter sentiment in the metropolitan area. Rep. Yoon explained, "Winning in the metropolitan area is truly difficult," and added, "In the last general election, out of a total of 121 seats in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, the People Power Party held only 16 seats, excluding myself, who was elected as an independent at the time."

Yoon Sang-hyun, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

He further expressed concern, saying, "Recent polls show that nearly 50% of the public agree that the opposition party will become the majority in the next general election," and questioned, "In such a situation, how can the People Power Party win the election?"

He also announced his intention to run for the next party leader. Rep. Yoon said, "I have received strong requests from those around me saying, 'Isn't Yoon Sang-hyun the one to win the metropolitan area?' I want to dedicate my passion and wisdom to the success of the president and the government."

When asked, "Isn't it difficult for a metropolitan representative to be elected when the vast majority of People Power Party members are concentrated in Yeongnam?" he asserted, "These days, even our Yeongnam party members have become strategic and wise." Rep. Yoon added, "They are not simply choosing a Yeongnam party leader candidate they know."

Rep. Yoon conveyed, "When I meet party members in Yeongnam, I keep sending the message that they should not view the political situation from a Yeongnam perspective but should understand the sentiments of metropolitan voters to succeed."

Regarding the proposed changes to the leadership election rules (Jeondae Rule) inside and outside the party, he said, "It is true that party members strongly demand changes to the election rules," but added, "Changing the current '7 to 3' ratio of party members to public opinion to something like '9 to 1' does not look good in appearance."

He stated, "The Leadership Election Preparation Committee will decide after gathering opinions from party members and the public, but the party must stand amidst the waves of public sentiment," and argued, "If a clause to prevent reverse voting is included, the current ratio is sufficient."

Meanwhile, the People Power Party currently maintains a 7 to 3 ratio between party member votes and public opinion polls for the leadership election, but as the election approaches, opinions have emerged suggesting changing it to '9 to 1' or '8 to 2'.