Eight Candidates Present Their Visions for Korea's Future
Strong Criticism of Lee Jaemyung and Strategies to Win the Presidential Election
Group Debates and First Round of Voting to Decide the Final Four
With the 6·3 presidential election approaching, eight candidates from the People Power Party's first primary have unveiled their visions. Each candidate expressed confidence that they are the only one capable of defeating former Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung, launching strong attacks against him.
The People Power Party held its first primary candidate vision conference on April 18 at ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The eight candidates presented their visions for 10 minutes each under the theme "Korea's Leap Forward and Future." According to the drawing order, the presentations were given by Yoo Jungbok, Mayor of Incheon; Hong Junpyo, former Mayor of Daegu; Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor; Ahn Cheolsoo, People Power Party lawmaker; Yang Hyangja, former lawmaker; Na Kyungwon, People Power Party lawmaker; Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province; and Han Donghoon, former People Power Party leader.
Mayor Yoo declared he would win this election with the spirit of "Yunbomyeongtoe." He stated, "We can only win this election if we send former President Yoon Sukyeol off and oust Lee Jaemyung, guided by the spirit of 'Yunbomyeongtoe.' I, Yoo Jungbok, am the person who stands in complete opposition to Lee Jaemyung, who is associated with various scandals, foul language, and lies."
Former Mayor Hong characterized the presidential election as a choice between a "Hong Junpyo administration or a Lee Jaemyung administration." He contrasted the two by saying, "The endpoint of a Lee Jaemyung administration is a country of populism and voter bribery, whereas a Hong Junpyo administration would be a nation of advanced freedom." As a strategy to defeat Lee Jaemyung, he proposed building a "big tent." Hong said, "I will gather people from other parties who are part of the anti-Lee Jaemyung front, as well as those who left our party, to build a big tent. Through this, I will create a country led by Hong Junpyo."
Former Minister Kim introduced himself as "an honest person without lies," targeting Lee Jaemyung. He stressed, "Corrupt politicians ruin a country. Only I, Kim Moonsoo, can defeat Lee Jaemyung's corruption."
Lawmaker Ahn also emphasized that he is the candidate to overcome Lee Jaemyung. He said, "In this election, the candidate who wins support from voters in the Seoul metropolitan area, moderates, and independents will prevail. The candidate must be able to attract moderate voters, be clean and free of flaws, and have experience building businesses and understanding the economy." He added, "If we put forward a clean candidate like Ahn Cheolsoo, who can defeat a criminal suspect, there is no need to worry about the bleak future Lee Jaemyung would create."
Lawmaker Na pledged to "restore politics." She said, "Voters worry about one-party dictatorship if they choose Lee Jaemyung, and about another government paralysis if they choose the People Power Party. With my overwhelming political experience as a five-term lawmaker, I will fight the Democratic Party where necessary and secure what must be secured."
Former leader Han also targeted Lee Jaemyung. He said, "What lies ahead is not just a simple election, but a war. We must prevent the most dangerous person in the country from becoming president and creating a monstrous administration." He emphasized, "The person who first pledged to head to the National Assembly to block Lee Jaemyung together with the people is Han Donghoon. If I stand against him, we can win."
Candidates with relatively lower name recognition adopted different strategies instead of attacking Lee Jaemyung. Governor Lee said, "We need to elect a president who truly fits the role, a leader who truly acts as a leader. There is inspiration when a newcomer wins. If Lee Cheolwoo becomes president, victory is automatic." Former lawmaker Yang declared, "I don't need Lee Jaemyung. I'm Trump," adding, "Only Yang Hyangja can create a new administration and pave the way for a new conservatism."
After the vision conference, the candidates will face off in group debates held over two days, April 19 and 20. Group A (April 19) consists of Yoo Jungbok, Ahn Cheolsoo, Kim Moonsoo, and former lawmaker Yang Hyangja; Group B (April 20) includes Lee Cheolwoo, Na Kyungwon, Hong Junpyo, and former leader Han Donghoon. Group A will debate on the future of youth, while Group B will clash over social integration. As the first round of voting is set to take place immediately on April 21 and 22, this weekend is expected to be the decisive battleground to determine the final four candidates.
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