[So Jong-seop's Sokterview] Yang Gi-dae "For Integration, Forces in Need Must Be Embraced Sincerely"

Yang Ki-dae, Secretary of 'Choilhoe' and Former Lawmaker
"I realized how high the walls of the establishment are"
"The rise of a third force in the presidential election has faded"
"No possibility of anti-Lee factions joining an anti-Lee coalition"

Yang Ki-dae, a former lawmaker and secretary of 'Choilhoe,' a group of ex-Democratic Party members opposed to Lee Jae-myung, appeared on the Asia Economy YouTube channel 'AK Radio.' Yang, who is also the chairman of the 'Hope and Alternative Forum,' asserted, "Regime change is important," adding, "The possibility of a third force emerging has faded." He emphasized, "Whoever takes power must demonstrate a deep spirit of integration regarding economic inequality and other issues after the presidential election." The interview took place on the 17th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Asia Economy building in Chungmuro, Jung-gu, Seoul.

The presidential election atmosphere is moving quickly. How have you been lately?

As the secretary of Choilhoe and chairman of the Hope and Alternative Forum, which is building a nationwide organization, I have been busy. The people are currently torn apart by political polarization and extreme confrontation. A political transformation and national unity are required. I hope a new leadership, not extreme leadership, will emerge. I am working toward goals such as the emergence of youth and new political forces.

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Gi-dae is appearing on AK Radio at the Asia Economy headquarters, sharing his views on the presidential election landscape. Photo by Heo Young-han

How is Choilhoe doing these days?

It was formed by 15 members, mainly lawmakers who suffered so-called 'bi-myeong-hyong-sa' (unexpected losses) during last year's general election. Now, putting those painful memories behind, we aim to contribute to making the Democratic Party a diverse, inclusive party where democratic discussions are possible. We have offered harsh criticism and sometimes advice. In the presidential election phase, we are contemplating and debating how we can contribute to regime change, and some are taking action. Former leader Lee Jae-myung always says the last nomination was a revolutionary nomination meeting the people's expectations and standards, but honestly, from our perspective, it is somewhat frustrating.

The Democratic Party's primary rules have been set to determine the presidential candidate by combining 50% party members' votes and 50% public opinion polls.

I was the first to publicly argue that the Democratic Party should hold a fully open primary involving the entire nation. The Innovation Party followed, and Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province, former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, former lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan, and former Governor Kim Kyung-soo of South Gyeongsang Province expressed the same view. The party's difficulty in accepting this likely stems from two reasons. One is the time constraint.

The fundamental reason is fear of reverse voting. It is somewhat of a fear. During the last presidential primary, former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon and then-candidate Lee Jae-myung competed, and in the final third round, the result was 62 to 28. Lee's camp was surprised and confused. So, there was concern that internal forces, possibly centered around religious groups, might join the electorate en masse as reverse voters. It seems such concerns strongly influenced the decision. Despite some opposition, the internal conclusion appears to be to conduct the presidential election quietly, without noise, and swiftly.

What did you think about that?

I realized that the entrenched powers within both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, such as pro-Lee (pro-Lee Jae-myung) and pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk-yeol), have high walls. It is regrettable because there will likely be limits to democratizing parties or changing the extreme two-party structure.

The mainstream group in the Democratic Party seems to aim to conduct this presidential election without variables.

That's right. One goal is to minimize variables and proceed as is. Also, the conservative camp is currently struggling in the quagmire of condemnation as internal traitors. In this situation, we should not give any excuse, such as creating an anti-Lee Jae-myung front. There is a cautious atmosphere. Because of this, some inside and outside the party say we are being overly cautious. Although the People Power Party seems fragmented now, if internal consolidation occurs through unification or public attention shifts to them, an anti-Lee Jae-myung front could form at the end, creating a very difficult situation. Some Democratic Party lawmakers and Innovation Party members have mentioned this. Also, we should not be complacent, and former leader Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party leadership must boldly play a role in integration. It is not bad that there are voices of self-reflection and caution within.

What is your view on the possibility of a third force emerging?

As secretary of Choilhoe and chairman of the Hope and Alternative Forum, my main focus was creating a coalition framework among presidential candidates. Initially, we checked and discussed whether a third zone or third force could emerge. There was such a movement earlier this year. Regardless of the 'anti-Lee Jae-myung front,' there were dialogues between presidential candidates from the anti-Lee faction and conservatives interested in political reform. However, due to personal circumstances and party or faction issues, it fell through. It effectively ended in January or February. The emergence of a third force in this presidential election phase has faded.

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Gi-dae appeared on AK Radio at the Asia Economy headquarters, discussing his views on the presidential election situation with editor So Jong-seop. Photo by Heo Young-han

Some talk about the possibility of an 'anti-Lee coalition' centered on constitutional amendment.

Within the Democratic Party, there are factions advocating constitutional amendment, political reform, and national unity. However, I can firmly say there will be no 'anti-Lee coalition' or alliance with the People Power Party. Regime change is the most important. Some anti-Lee factions within the Democratic Party might join an anti-Lee coalition, but that is not the case. They do not even glance at the anti-Lee coalition scenario.

Should we consider the impeachment card against Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as off the table?

Impeachment is practically off the table. Impeaching Acting Prime Minister Han would only raise his profile and give him a chance to run in the presidential election, so there is no need to set the stage for that. From Han's perspective, it has become somewhat embarrassing. He has kept the possibility of running open by talking with former President Trump, and dozens of pro-Yoon lawmakers have publicly discussed his presidential prospects. He has not said he will not run. His visits to Gwangju Kia Motors and Ulsan Hyundai Heavy Industries are clearly presidential campaign activities.

However, the Constitutional Court accepted a provisional suspension injunction regarding the appointment of two Constitutional Court justices by Han. This must be very disconcerting. I think Han is desperate. The issue of survival and the possibility of being held accountable for past failures if the regime changes is a very serious matter for him. Since their survival is at stake, they will struggle to the end in any form.

Will Han run?

When the People Power Party candidate is decided on May 3, he will assess the situation. The scenario of running remains.

Who do you think will be the People Power Party candidate?

Kim Moon-soo, Hong Jun-pyo, Han Dong-hoon, and Na Kyung-won seem likely to be the top four. The Yoon Suk-yeol variable is disappearing in the People Power Party primary. It is very likely to be based on who can stand against candidate Lee Jae-myung and give it a try. However, former President Yoon must first sincerely reflect on and apologize for the emergency martial law and rebellion charges. Someone said, if the Democratic Party primary is a still image, the People Power Party primary is a video. Without this apology process, the video might flicker and be in poor condition. In this regard, People Power Party candidates should show a fresh start to gain national and supporter consensus. Both the Democratic Party and People Power Party are parties leading the country. I hope they become healthier parties that can meet public expectations.

What variables might affect the presidential election?

First is whether the People Power Party's proposed anti-Lee (anti-Lee Jae-myung) coalition is possible. However, relying on others' misfortune for politics has limits. It is primary to claim why one is in politics, what one aims to achieve, and how one will help the country and people to gain public sympathy. Trying to scheme by meddling in others' affairs or fields is not the right attitude for a politician. As the public's political maturity has increased, I hope for policy debates. The choice of Innovation Party lawmaker Lee Jun-seok is also a variable. He currently says he will go to the end, but the last three days of the election are crucial. We must watch.

What is the basic perspective of the anti-Lee faction on this presidential election?

The Democratic Party's internal primary is a tilted playing field. It is being conducted under the premise that Lee Jae-myung will be the presidential candidate anyway (Eodaemyeong). Even Governor Kim Dong-yeon and former Governor Kim Kyung-soo seem more focused on how to finish the primary well rather than actual victory. Finishing means how to highlight their presence, secure good policies, or build a positive political image or assets. In this regard, there is no fierce confrontation with candidate Lee Jae-myung.

Rather, the post-primary phase is important. There is a possibility of forming a unified campaign headquarters. From the perspective of candidate Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party, they must not be complacent until the end, so it is crucial to sincerely embrace the anti-Lee faction within the party and progressive forces outside the party that require unity and harmony. I hope they take bolder steps after the primary. If this approach continues, the people can join in uniting the currently divided country and build a new government together.

Do you see regime change as the spirit of the times for this presidential election?

Yes. However, regime change should not simply mean changing the person in power. The first theme of new politics is integration. The country is currently divided into progressive and conservative camps. Whoever takes power will face constant opposition for the sake of opposition. How can one government overcome domestic and international difficulties in such a situation? The spirit of integration must be realized. Political and national integration are necessary, but integration with consideration for the vulnerable is even more needed. It is time to demonstrate a truly deep spirit of integration that can heal economic inequality and similar issues.