Yoo Intae: "Han Ducksoo Seen as Messiah to Defeat Lee Jaemyung... Seems to Be Pushed Out"

"From Lee Jaemyung's Perspective,
Han Could Be an Easier Opponent"

Former National Assembly Secretary General Yoo In-tae commented on political speculation that Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is about to announce his candidacy, saying, "He will be less competitive than Kim Moonsoo or Han Donghoon, the People Power Party presidential primary candidates," and added, "From Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate's perspective, Han would be a much easier opponent."

On CBS Radio's "Kim Hyunjung's News Show" on the 30th, Yoo said, "That party has always been like this. Instead of choosing someone who has grown within the party and is experienced and verified, they always see illusions in newcomers," and continued, "They thought everything would go well when Hwang Kyoan or Yoon Sukyeol came in, and this time it's Acting President Han. They see Han Ducksoo as a messiah to defeat Lee Jaemyung."

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo salutes the national flag on the afternoon of the 29th at the Construction Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, attending the "Overseas Construction 1 Trillion Dollar Contract and 60th Anniversary Ceremony." Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding Kim Moonsoo and Han Donghoon, who have advanced to the final People Power Party presidential primary, Yoo said, "If you look at Han Donghoon's actions after the 12·3 martial law, they are quite clear," and predicted, "If party members come to their senses, they'll choose Han Donghoon. If they don't and are swayed by illusions, they'll pick Kim Moonsoo." However, he also said, "But the polls currently show Acting President Han is overwhelmingly ahead, so it seems like this is all to unify the candidacy behind him. It looks bizarre."

On the increasing likelihood that Acting President Han, who attended middle and high school with Yoo, will run, Yoo said, "I don't understand it," and added, "This is not the person I know." He also commented, "It seems he is being pushed out there against his will."

Regarding Acting President Han's decision to withhold the appointment of three Constitutional Court justice nominees recommended by the National Assembly, Yoo said, "It was common sense to expect him to make the appointments," and continued, "But after returning to his duties following the rejection of the impeachment, his stance changed again. He isn't the type of person to do that, so I believe Yoon Sukyeol's influence is behind this change."