Former Democratic Party Leader Song Young-gil, SBS Radio Interview
"47 Proportional Representation Seats... A Party Needed to Lead the Democratic Party"
With the general election just five months away, former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil revealed that he is "keeping all possibilities open and contemplating" regarding the possibility of founding a new party.
On the 14th, on SBS Radio's 'Kim Taehyun's Political Show,' Song said, "There is currently a debate over whether the proportional representation system will be parallel or mixed-member proportional. I believe the ruling and opposition parties will not reach an agreement," adding, "If it remains as it is, the first and second parties in each district will take all the proportional representation seats according to their vote shares, which I think goes against the principle of diversity."
Song Young-gil, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, is watching the exit poll results announcement at the campaign vote counting situation room set up in Jung-gu, Seoul, on June 1, 2022. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers.
Song stated, "It is necessary to broaden voters' choices so that people can eat not only kimchi and kkakdugi but also stir-fried squid. Therefore, I am absolutely opposed to the parallel system, and I believe Representative Lee Jae-myung will also disagree," adding, "If we move to a mixed-member proportional system, satellite parties cannot be created again. A new nationwide party will inevitably be formed, and I am seriously considering this as well."
He continued, "It is not about my personal party, but regardless, a reformist party with 47 proportional seats that can genuinely fight against prosecutorial dictatorship and lead the Democratic Party is necessary," he said.
He also hinted at the possibility of a new party with former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who has effectively declared his candidacy for next year's general election. Song said, "Minister Cho must feel very wronged," and added, "If Minister Cho runs in a district, there will be controversies over opposition vote splitting and wasted votes due to the single-member district system. If a nationwide space opens up like this, I think Minister Cho can also pursue something to restore his honor."
Former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, who is under suspicion of money envelope allegations related to the party convention, is holding a solo protest after leaving the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 7th without being questioned. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
Earlier, on the 17th of last month, Song Young-gil launched his political comeback by publishing 'Song Young-gil's Declaration of War.'
In the book, regarding the prosecution investigation into him as a key figure in the 'party convention money envelope scandal,' Song raised his voice, saying, "If the Yoon Seok-yeol administration is recklessly wielding the prosecution as a sword, I will respond with the weapon of the law and the shield of the people." He also defined the Yoon Seok-yeol government as a "prosecutorial crime cartel totalitarian force" and declared his intention to fight against it.
On the 9th, at a book launch event held at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, he sharply criticized Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon, emphasizing his presence. On that day, Song referred to Minister Han as a "kid" and "arrogant guy," and pointed out, "He comes to the National Assembly and mocks and humiliates 300 people who are not only his seniors in life but also senior prosecutors."
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