[Presidential Election Interview] Kwon Youngguk: "The Democratic Party Is Essentially Centrist-Conservative... The Role of Progressive Politics Has Grown"

Democratic Labor Party Presidential Candidate Interview
Aspirations to Raise the Banner of a New Progressive Politics
"Deep Concerns Over the Politicization of the Judiciary"

Kwon Youngguk, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, stated regarding opposition bloc unification, "The question should be directed at the Democratic Party," and emphasized, "We need to discuss how to guarantee the basic rights of minorities, such as enacting an anti-discrimination law and revising the election law." Kwon also commented on the Supreme Court's decision to remand the case involving Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, which is a major political issue, saying, "The politicization of the judiciary is quite concerning."

Kwon Youngguk, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at an office in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 2nd, Kwon addressed the issue of presidential candidate unification, stating, "If unification is approached from the perspective that, because I have more support and am stronger, others should step aside, it is simply a demand for surrender," and added, "This directly contradicts the spirit of democracy."

Kwon criticized Lee's recent shift to the right, saying, "Policies are moving toward being pro-business and growth-oriented, while welfare and redistribution are regressing," and added, "With continued tax cuts, it raises the question of how different the Democratic Party really is from the People Power Party." Kwon further stated, "There are two main demands from the public square this time: settling the issue of rebellion and achieving major social reform," and emphasized, "We need to go beyond just a change of government to avoid a third impeachment crisis."

The following is a Q&A with candidate Kwon Youngguk.

- What was your reason for announcing your candidacy in front of the high-altitude protest site of the Metal Workers' Union Geotonggo Branch?

▲It signifies the intention to start progressive politics anew from the very bottom. Progressive politics are needed by those fighting in the most difficult conditions, and our task is to change the established order of vested interests in society.

- What is your goal for the June 3 presidential election?

▲Even the Justice Party was judged by the voters in the last general election. We reflected on the fact that, although we voiced the concerns of the socially disadvantaged, we failed to follow through in practice. After the 12·3 Martial Law, we fought together with citizens in the public square, and now we are raising the banner of a new progressive politics.

- What are your main campaign pledges?

▲To address asset inequality and the inheritance of wealth, I will boldly increase taxes and use the revenue to support the livelihoods of the people, including debt relief. I will normalize the financial investment income tax and comprehensive real estate tax, and significantly strengthen inheritance and gift taxes to achieve both old-age security and the formation of basic assets for young people. The rights of women, people with disabilities, sexual minorities, and immigrants must be protected. I will promote the enactment of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law, alternative legislation to replace the abortion ban, and the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Kwon Youngguk, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at an office in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

- The Democratic Party avoids even mentioning the anti-discrimination law and non-consensual rape law.

▲The Democratic Party's approach is to postpone and marginalize policies for the socially disadvantaged, treating them as issues to be dealt with later. I will clearly articulate the need to establish progressive politics properly now.

- The party's approval rating is currently below 1%. What are the causes and solutions?

▲Progressive politics have been continuously divided and fragmented. This has led to distrust about whether we have the capacity or will to govern, and now is the time for us to answer that question.

- What is the possibility of a unified progressive candidate with parties such as the Progressive Party?

▲Fundamentally, at this time, it is necessary for forces with a clear goal and direction for independent progressive politics, and a will to fundamentally change inequality in our society, to come together. I believe that unification with the Progressive Party would only further confuse the new progressive politics we are trying to initiate.

- How do you assess candidate Lee Jaemyung's move toward centrist conservatism?

▲The Democratic Party has essentially always been centrist-conservative. Rather than breaking the existing order, it has pursued policies and strategies aimed at partial improvement. In the past, it was often referred to as a party for ordinary people, but this rightward policy shift is largely an election strategy to win votes. The role and responsibility of progressive politics have grown even greater.

- What is your position on the Supreme Court's remand of candidate Lee's conviction?

▲I question why the Supreme Court ruling proceeded so quickly. The situation should have been clarified, but instead, the remand has made things even more ambiguous. It has become more difficult for voters to make a judgment. The politicization of the judiciary is quite concerning.

- What is your position on constitutional amendment?

▲A constitutional amendment is absolutely necessary. The '1987 system' is no longer keeping pace with the times. We must reflect the spirit of the times and determine how to protect fundamental rights amid major changes such as those in labor and climate. I believe we should proceed with constitutional amendment during next year's local elections.