"Think About the Pro-Impeachment Person Among Pro-Park Faction"
"Hope Past Connections Remain in the Past"
Former President Park Geun-hye recently began external activities, and regarding speculation that she is supporting 'pro-Park' factions ahead of next year's general election, she dismissed it by saying, "'Politically, there is no pro-Park faction,' as I have said several times."
In an interview with JoongAng Ilbo released on the 26th of last month, former President Park addressed rumors about pro-Park faction candidates running in the general election, stating, "Personally, I have no particular plans for next year's general election," and added, "For those who have been involved in politics in the past to start again, it is a personal choice, so it is not something I should comment on. However, I hope that if they do restart their political careers, it is not framed as being for my honor restoration or related to me. Past connections should remain in the past."
Former President Park Geun-hye is visiting the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in Sangmo-dong, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk, on the morning of the 15th. 2023.8.15 [Image source=Yonhap News]
Regarding some pro-Park faction lawmakers who voted in favor of impeachment, she said, "Among the so-called 'pro-Park' lawmakers, some supported the impeachment, and most of them never inquired about my well-being during my long imprisonment," adding, "I heard that a lawmaker who is a friend of my younger brother (Park Ji-man, Chairman of EG) and a lawmaker who was the floor leader also supported the impeachment, which made me reflect deeply on trust in people and humanity."
About witnessing the Moon Jae-in administration's rise while being detained, former President Park said, "My feelings were very complicated," and continued, "After the Moon Jae-in government took office, hearing about their approach to North Korea's nuclear issue and discord with allied countries made me worried about national security and various other matters."
Regarding the reason for sending a message through a prison letter during the 2020 general election urging unity around the opposition party (the United Future Party, now the People Power Party), she explained, "I thought it was important to unite first and win the election because only if the (conservative) party becomes the majority can the Moon Jae-in government be checked," adding, "Although I personally had many discomforts, I put them aside and sent the message that 'the conservative forces must unite'."
When asked about the question, "If the Our Republican Party fields candidates in next year's general election under the banner of restoring former President Park's honor," she responded, "I know well that the Our Republican Party has worked hard claiming the impeachment was invalid. However, I believe the purity of the general public's position and that of politicians differ," and said, "Politicians can pursue their own politics in next year's election. I hope they no longer say they are running 'to restore my honor' while putting up my photo during the election."
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