Park Suhyun: "Lee Jaemyung Doesn't Need to Worry About Han Ducksoo, But Must Stay Vigilant"

Lee Jaemyung Confirmed as Democratic Party Presidential Candidate on the 27th
Park Suhyun: "The Democratic Party Responds with Quiet Strength"
Conservative Bloc’s Anti-Lee Jaemyung Strategy Involving Han Ducksoo and Others

On the 27th, former Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung was elected as the party’s presidential candidate with a vote share approaching 90%. Suhyun Park, who served as the head of public relations for the Lee Jaemyung campaign, asserted that "Candidate Lee does not need to be concerned about Acting President Han Ducksoo's candidacy." In an interview with Channel A on the same day, Park stated, "The Democratic Party responds to the People Power Party with quiet strength," making these remarks.

Suhyun Park, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Office of Suhyun Park

Park explained, "(Candidate Lee) has made weekly policy announcements on major areas of state affairs over the past two weeks of the primary process. If I were to summarize the key themes, they would be sincerity and pragmatism," adding, "Since the launch of the primary campaign, rather than political slogans, he has consistently emphasized delivering pragmatic messages that can address the hardships faced by the people and offer hope, especially in the face of a collapsing livelihood."

When asked by the host about the possibility of a unified candidacy between Acting President Han or Reform Party candidate Lee Junseok and the final People Power Party candidate, Park replied, "We will respond with quiet strength." He stated, "Acting President Han is associated with forces related to insurrection and served as prime minister in a failed administration, bearing responsibility for failing to respond appropriately to various issues. For these reasons, many citizens are opposed to his candidacy," and added, "The public is also questioning whether it is appropriate for him to run in such circumstances."

He continued, "Even if (Acting President Han's candidacy) becomes a reality, neither the Democratic Party nor Candidate Lee needs to be particularly concerned," emphasizing, "The real question is who can more competently and pragmatically revive the lives of the people, who can restore broken democracy, and who can present a capable vision and ability to lead the country to global leadership."

Regarding the so-called 'anti-Lee Jaemyung big tent' strategy discussed in some conservative circles, Park dismissed it as "no strategy," stating, "They should have a strategy for restoring people's livelihoods and leading the future of Korea, but instead, they keep returning to stories about Lee Jaemyung." He further emphasized, "Ultimately, the so-called big tent motivated by opposition to Lee Jaemyung is neither feasible nor capable of inspiring the public."

The joint speech event for selecting the Democratic Party of Korea's 21st presidential election candidate for the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, and Jeju was held on the 27th at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 2 in Ilsan, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. Former party leader Lee Jaemyung, who was selected as the presidential candidate, is delivering his acceptance speech. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

However, he added, "No matter how divided the People Power Party may be, if their candidate is unified in any form, the gap with Candidate Lee will inevitably narrow, as is characteristic of a one-on-one contest." Summarizing the mood within the Lee Jaemyung campaign, he said, "We will not let our guard down," and "This is just the beginning." When asked whether a moderate conservative rightward shift would continue even if Lee were elected, Park responded, "Just as Candidate Lee said, 'It doesn't matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice,' there will be continuity."

When asked about the similarities and differences between former President Moon Jaein and Candidate Lee, Park replied, "Their styles are different. Former President Moon is serious in a way that is obvious to anyone," and added, "Candidate Lee's strength was demonstrated during COVID-19, when he responded nimbly and effectively as a local government leader." He continued, "Although their styles differ, I believe they ultimately share the same goal of focusing solely on the people."

On this day, the Democratic Party officially selected former leader Lee as its presidential candidate. In the cumulative vote tally announced at the fourth round of the primary held at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Lee recorded a combined vote share of 89.77%, placing him first. Candidate Kim Dongyeon came in second with a combined vote share of 6.87%, while Kim Kyungsoo placed third with 3.36%. In his acceptance speech, Lee pledged, "With greater humility, I will fully carry out the mission of politics and the president’s foremost task, which is national unity."