Im Jong-seok: "Ruling Party's 'Lee Jo Judgment Theory' Targets the Wrong Address"

Former Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok criticized the People Power Party's move to promote the 'Lee-Jo (Lee Jae-myung·Jo Guk) Judgment Theory' in response to the opposition bloc's 'Regime Judgment Theory,' saying, "They seem to be completely targeting the wrong issue."

Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung (left in the photo) and former Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok (center) are campaigning in support of candidates Jeon Hyun-hee and Park Sung-jun, who are running for Jung-gu Seongdong-gu Gap and Eul districts respectively, at Wangsimni Station Plaza in Seoul on the 28th of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 1st, Im appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "It seems the People Power Party is trying to turn this election into a negative mudslinging contest, but I believe that will not help at all," adding, "The core issue is the economy."

He stated, "The public feels a crisis as if their livelihoods are completely collapsing," and added, "It is only natural for the opposition to raise the regime judgment theory regarding economic mismanagement and the collapse of livelihoods; this is not negative campaigning but normal election activity." He continued, "The ruling party should be explaining how they plan to turn around the dire economic situation instead of saying 'Judge Lee Jae-myung' or 'Judge Jo Guk,' which does not resonate with the public," emphasizing, "They are completely missing the essence of the problem."

He further said, "From the public sentiment and judgment I have encountered, looking back, during the Moon Jae-in administration, despite the global COVID-19 crisis, the Korean economy grew solidly and trade was good. But in just two years, what is this? The direct blow is being felt by the people," adding, "Economic indicators such as personal rehabilitation, corporate bankruptcies, wage arrears, and small business closures are at their worst in over 20 years, and the public is pointing this out."

Regarding controversies over real estate issues involving some Democratic Party candidates, he explained that since the exact facts of each case are not fully known and many criticisms are based on past events or statements, it is most important for each candidate to responsibly explain their position. He emphasized, "While past records and statements will certainly be subject to evaluation, I hope everyone will be careful not to make any gaffes during the remaining period."