"Han Deok-soo's Candidacy? It Defies Common Sense"
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo, who has officially declared his candidacy for the presidential election, stated, "I am benchmarking the 2002 Democratic Party presidential primary," and added, "If the leading candidate is not suitable to be president, I believe it can be dramatically overturned within the remaining 50 days." This is interpreted as referring to the strategy from the 16th presidential election when Roh Moo-hyun, the New Millennium Democratic Party candidate, defeated Lee Hoi-chang of the Grand National Party by uniting with independent candidate Chung Mong-joon.
On the 14th, on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' former Mayor Hong said, "Back in 2002, candidate Lee Hoi-chang had higher approval ratings than the current candidate Lee Jae-myung, and Roh Moo-hyun's approval rating was 2%," adding, "At that time, communication channels were very limited, but now there are many ways to communicate with the public, and the speed of transmission is dozens of times faster. The figure who will emerge dramatically now cannot be compared to candidate Lee Jae-myung."
He said, "A big tent opposing Lee Jae-myung can be formed," and added, "Since our party's candidate will be at the center of this big tent, the regime will not be handed over to candidate Lee Jae-myung." He continued, "The person who wins our party's primary must create a big tent that encompasses conservatives and moderates to stop the Lee Jae-myung regime."
Regarding the figures who will join the big tent, former Mayor Hong said, "It is difficult to mention specific individuals at this stage," but criticized, "It is against common sense for Han Deok-soo, the Acting President and Prime Minister, to run." He said, "Acting President Han is supposed to manage the election neutrally, and he served as prime minister under an impeached administration," adding, "About 50 current lawmakers are reportedly arranging his candidacy and circulating petitions, which is a reckless act."
On his key pledges, he said, "Korea has risen from a developing country to join the ranks of advanced countries, but politics is still at a developing country level due to conflict, struggle, and factionalism," and added, "To renew the country and create the 7th Republic, we must transform the nation to an advanced country level in all areas: politics, economy, society, culture, North Korea policy, and diplomacy. I will announce that pledge today." He also said, "When I present my vision tomorrow, I will announce '100 Plus 1,' meaning 100 places in Korea that need innovation plus national unity."
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