Joining Han Donghoon's Campaign...
"Broad Conservative Forces Must Unite"
Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung is being interviewed by Asia Economy at his office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun
"Whoever extends the hand of compromise and coexistence first will gain the support of the people."
Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung said in an interview with Asia Economy on the 18th, "Regardless of party lines, many politicians have come to strengthen their positions by using the support of hardline supporters as a political asset rather than engaging in dialogue, compromise, or concession."
Regarding the deepened division following the December 3 emergency martial law incident, Choi questioned, "How free can we be from criticism that the country's future was exchanged for the cheers of hardline supporters?" He pointed out, "In a severe domestic and international situation due to the U.S. tariff war, the domestic political sphere is rather becoming an obstacle to overcoming the crisis."
- What is the reason for the continued turmoil even after the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol?
▲ It is because they regard the opposing side not as political partners but as targets of defeat and hatred, even demonizing them, and use this to strengthen the support of hardline factions as a political strategy. When the opponent is demonized, there is no room for legitimate criticism, dialogue, or compromise. Politics disappears, and society faces a crisis of collapse beyond polarization.
- You joined Han Dong-hoon’s People Power Party presidential primary campaign as a co-chief campaign manager.
▲ I thought about who would be the most competitive candidate against former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung in the presidential election. During the political turmoil at the time of the emergency martial law, candidate Han clearly stated his position as party leader, and I saw it as a decision in line with the common sense of the people. The new start of the People Power Party after the impeachment crisis must begin with reflection. I believed candidate Han was the right person to thoroughly reflect on the current situation, pursue unification politics that can embrace the entire conservative spectrum, and talk about the future.
- You proposed conservative unification.
▲ A true unified candidate must be established through a national primary that includes all conservative figures except former leader Lee Jae-myung. Even if candidate Han does not become the unified candidate, unification among conservative candidates is necessary. This presidential election should be the starting point for political change that breaks away from extreme polarization.
- The 'Han Deok-su great hope theory' is still alive.
▲ Acting President and Prime Minister Han Deok-su will likely have many concerns, but I believe he will fully consider that managing the election and overseeing the inauguration of the next government as acting president is a national crisis management priority.
- What do you think about separating the Board of Audit and Inspection as an independent constitutional body?
▲ There are not many countries with an audit institution that holds both accounting inspection authority and duty supervision authority, and few have it under the president. I believe it is desirable to have it as an independent constitutional body.
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