Increased Public Activities by Park... Denies Interpretation as Support for Pro-Park Faction
Yoo Young-ha: "Conservative Unity Needed to Energize Yoon Government"
Former President Park Geun-hye's first media interview since her impeachment has drawn the full attention of the political world. After being specially pardoned on December 31, 2021, Park had been in seclusion but has recently been gradually expanding her public activities. On the 13th, she met with Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, and other party leaders, and just before the Chuseok holiday, she visited a traditional market near her residence in Dalseong-gun, Daegu.
There is also an interpretation that she is supporting pro-Park figures about six months ahead of next year's general election. Her close aide, lawyer Yoo Young-ha, has already expressed his intention to run in the Daegu area. However, in an interview with JoongAng Ilbo released on the 26th, Park stated, "I have said several times that 'there is no pro-Park faction politically,'" and "I hope past ties remain in the past," drawing a line against interpretations of supporting the pro-Park faction.
Former President Park Geun-hye is seen applauding while listening to the great monk's blessings in front of the Unification Great Buddha at Donghwasa Temple on Palgongsan Mountain in Daegu on the morning of April 11. [Image source=Yonhap News]
She also emphasized, "It is an individual's choice to start politics again after having been involved in politics in the past," adding, "However, I hope people do not say that restarting politics is for my honor restoration or related to me." This clearly indicated her opposition to moves to expand influence by leading the pro-Park faction.
She refrained from making specific evaluations or remarks about the current government. She said, "I was relieved that the left-wing regime did not continue and was replaced by a conservative regime," and "It has been about a year and four months since the government took office, so it feels a bit premature to evaluate its direction and policies," expressing only a general stance. Analysts interpret this as an intention to preemptively prevent division within the conservative camp over next year's general election nominations.
Her close aide, lawyer Yoo Young-ha, also said in an MBN interview on the 3rd, "The Saenuri Party (former name of the People Power Party) lost the general election due to nomination disputes. Forces that divide before an election inevitably lose," adding, "This time, I think the conservative camp must unite somehow so that the general election results come out well, allowing the current government to gain momentum to work."
Regarding the possibility that he might not receive a nomination for next year's general election, Yoo said, "I learned politics from President Park. She also graciously accepted the results of the 2007 presidential primary. I will accept any decision," adding, "However, nominations will be decided based on common-sense criteria, and if that is the case, I am not worried."
The People Power Party also positively evaluated Park's interview. Yoon Jae-ok, the party's floor leader, said to reporters, "She clearly stated her position regarding next year's election (general election), giving organized remarks to prevent confusion or misunderstanding."
On the other hand, former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok said in a CBS radio interview, "If former President Park is stepping forward for conservative unity, I see it as a good intention, but if it is linked to lawyer Yoo Young-ha's nomination and involves negotiations, the outcome might not be good and the perception will be unfavorable."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
