People Power Party Semifinal Debate:
Hong Joonpyo Says "Impossible... An Unrealistic Pledge"
Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor and a presidential primary candidate for the People Power Party, on April 26 criticized former party leader Han Donghoon's presidential campaign pledge for a 'Five Mega-Polis' strategy, saying, "How is it possible to create five cities as great as Seoul in just two years?"
During a semifinal debate held at the MBN studio in Jung-gu, Seoul on the same day, Kim pointed out to Han, "You pledged to establish five mega-polises within two years. I have been involved in developing several new towns, including Gwanggyo New Town, Pangyo New Town, Godeok New Town, and Dasan New Town, and even building a single house takes at least two years."
Han responded, "I think you misunderstood my pledge," adding, "The Five Mega-Polis initiative does not mean creating entirely new towns from scratch."
When Kim said, "If you actually create five mega-polises in the provinces within five years, I will resign immediately and carry you on my back," Han shot back, "I hope you really would carry me around."
Hong Joonpyo, former mayor of Daegu, also chimed in, calling it an "unrealistic pledge," and said, "If you want to do it properly, building even one new town takes more than ten years. Is this a pledge made with a real understanding of administration?"
In response to the criticism from Kim and Hong, Han reiterated, "It seems neither of you are willing to listen to my explanation," adding, "The plan is to designate existing large cities and provide concentrated support at the central government level."
Han also pointed out that Kim had run for the Suseong-gap district in Daegu during the 2016 20th general election but was unsuccessful. Regarding the mega-polis pledge, Han said, "Wouldn't a place like Daegu benefit from this?" and added, "I find it hard to understand why Mr. Kim, who even ran for office in Daegu, would call it unrealistic to focus support on such regions and commit to being evaluated over two years."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
