"I've Never Betrayed You Even Once"
Yoon Sang-hyun, a member of the People Power Party who officially declared his candidacy for party leader, on the 20th said, "Those who were defeated in the general election should take time for self-reflection," cautioning his rivals in the party leadership race.
Before hosting a seminar at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that afternoon, Yoon told reporters, "I decided to run because I believe that experienced politicians like myself have a role to lead a conservative revolution, support the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's governance, and achieve cooperation with the opposition."
When asked if former Emergency Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon is included among those who should take time for self-reflection, he replied, "Yes." Regarding former Minister Won Hee-ryong's official candidacy, Yoon said, "Just a few days ago, he told me he wouldn't run, but suddenly he announced his candidacy. Since former Minister Won was also defeated in the general election, I think he should be taking time for self-reflection, but I don't know what he's thinking."
Yoon emphasized, "The party convention should not be used as a stepping stone in political schedules. Those who truly call for change and innovation in the party must step forward and create a winning party." He was highlighting the difference between himself and former Emergency Committee Chairman Han and former Minister Won, who have declared their candidacies.
Yoon appealed, "More than anyone else, I am part of the party's legitimate conservative faction and have never betrayed the party. Even if the party betrayed me, I have never betrayed the party. Even when the party was divided and split during the impeachment crisis of former President Park Geun-hye, I protected the party."
When asked if there are any supporters of Yoon within the party, he said, "I haven't spoken to any members except for Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo. We should avoid factionalism and alliance-building based on political calculations. A conservative revolution is a revolution centered on party members," he said.
Regarding his chances of winning against other party leadership candidates, Yoon said, "I was independent for a long time and went through several years of trials, which was a political hibernation period. Since my politics have been focused on the metropolitan area, I was immersed in local politics, but now this is the starting signal to move into central politics. That is why I am declaring my candidacy in Michuhol District."
Yoon is scheduled to announce his candidacy on the 21st at Yonghyeon Market in Michuhol District, Incheon.
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