Jin Seong-jun, a Democratic Party lawmaker running against former Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik, the People Power Party candidate in Gangseo-eul, Seoul, criticized the Yoon Seok-yeol administration for its continued mismanagement, particularly pointing out the dire state of the livelihood economy.
On the 27th, on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Jin said, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration's mismanagement is so terrible that it cannot be expressed in words," adding, "Many are worried that the country is on the brink of collapse. I believe there are many people waiting for election day to punish the Yoon administration in the April general election."
He also referred to the October by-election for the Gangseo District Mayor, where the People Power Party was defeated by more than 17%. Jin stated, "That was a harsh rebuke of the Yoon administration, but nothing has changed," emphasizing, "The livelihood economy is in shambles. Prices have skyrocketed, making household finances difficult, and interest rates have risen so much that loan interest is unaffordable."
He continued, "(The Yoon administration) is not presenting measures to revive the livelihood economy but is focusing on irrelevant matters," and added, "Residents of Gangseo have started judging the administration, so there is a mood to decisively settle this in the upcoming general election."
Regarding President Yoon's remark about the "875 won green onion price," Jin said, "I think the green onion price was manipulated to coincide with the president's visit," and explained, "I checked the price of a bunch of green onions at Nonghyup Hanaro Mart. It was 2,950 won. That price was recently 3,950 won but was discounted by 1,000 won to 2,950 won. The government's complicated explanations do not match this price." He added, "If the price of a bunch of green onions is 875 won, it does not even cover our farmers' production costs. Yet they call that a reasonable price. It is disappointing, and I think the public's criticism and reproach are fully justified."
Meanwhile, Park, a 'pro-Yoon' former minister and Jin's competitor, expressed confidence that the 17% vote gap seen in last October's Gangseo District Mayor by-election can be fully overcome in this general election. Park said, "In last year's by-election, many People Power Party supporters voted for the Democratic Party because they felt it was time to discipline them." He added, "I have heard there is a thirst for a candidate with momentum in the advancing Gangseo. People have cheered me on, saying 'He is a good candidate' and 'A winnable candidate has come.'"
Regarding President Yoon's green onion remark, Park said, "The controversy seems to have arisen during the government's efforts to lower prices, especially those affecting the dining table economy. The most important thing is the economy, and within the economy, controlling prices is key," adding, "I hope this serves as a valuable lesson."
The two candidates also shared their thoughts about each other. Jin described Park as "a formidable person," saying, "He has served twice as a lawmaker and even as Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. He has experience and capability. He is campaigning diligently. I also think I must do my best until the end and not let my guard down." In response, Park said, "Jin is a tough figure from the opposition side and is known to be quite close to figures like former President Moon Jae-in, former Mayor Park Won-soon, and former party leader Lee Jae-myung. To put it metaphorically, he feels like a highly skilled master with deep internal strength in a martial arts novel."
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