Emphasizes "Leader's Competence Is Crucial in Emergencies"
Calls Lee Jaemyung's Centrist-Conservative Shift a "Reasonable Change"
Yoon Yeojoon, the Standing General Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 13th, "The essential qualities of a leader are morality and competence, but in such an emergency situation, while morality is important, competence is even more crucial." Appearing on SBS TV that day, Chairman Yoon argued, "The country is in a very difficult situation right now. In times like this, the top executive must have the ability to ensure the efficiency of state affairs."
Yoon Yeojoon, Standing Chief Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the launch meeting of the Digital Asset Committee held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 13th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
In particular, Chairman Yoon emphasized, "It is far more important to have a leader who can demonstrate ability and efficiency in governance," and added, "From that perspective, I don't think anyone can compete with candidate Lee Jaemyung when it comes to enhancing the efficiency of state affairs." Regarding Kim Moonsu, the candidate from the People Power Party, he said, "I know him personally. We used to talk often when we were in the same party in the past," and evaluated, "He is very sincere and, for a politician, has an unusually pure side. I still find him likable in that regard."
When asked whether the candidate replacement turmoil in the People Power Party is a 'boon' for the Democratic Party, he replied, "They have lost public trust because of that, so it can't be said that it's not a boon," but also added, "However, we are not a party that relies on the mistakes or missteps of others to win elections. We are preparing thoroughly." In response to a comment that "a recent poll showed candidate Lee receiving majority support," he said, "In a pluralistic democratic society, expecting more than that is too much. Achieving 50% is already significant." Regarding the suggestion that candidate Lee's recent moves are leaning toward the center or conservative side, he said, "That might have been the case when he was an opposition party leader, but when one is in a position to govern the country, both sides must be embraced. It's a reasonable and common-sense shift in attitude."
On the first day of the official campaign for the 21st presidential election, Yoon Yeojoon, the standing general election campaign committee chairman, is speaking at the Democratic Party of Korea Central Election Campaign Committee launch ceremony held at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul on May 12, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Regarding criticism that the Democratic Party is undermining the separation of powers by pressuring Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hui-dae to resign voluntarily, he said, "They are doing that as a precaution because they don't know when the judiciary might launch a political offensive," and added, "It's not because they don't understand the principle of separation of powers." He also stated, "If there is a considerable possibility of that happening, we can't just sit back and watch."
Finally, regarding the Democratic Party's push for an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act that would suspend criminal trials if a candidate is elected president, with the aim of delaying candidate Lee's trial, Chairman Yoon said, "There is some merit to the concerns of those who want to enact that law, but the party will carefully monitor how the public perceives it," adding, "I'm not greatly worried about it."
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