[Political Reset] Lee Jaemyung's Pragmatism, Kim Moonsu's Principles, Lee Junseok's Competence

Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is not an ideological figure. The current affairs magazine 'SisaIN' analyzed the language he used during the 2021 Democratic Party presidential primary and reported, "Values-oriented words such as freedom, equality, peace, and human rights, which are typically advocated by progressives or conservatives, are absent. Traditional progressive terms like distribution, labor, and solidarity were also missing." This still appears to be the case. Lee's remark during his campaign rally in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on May 13, is symbolic: "It doesn't matter whether it's Park Chunghee's policy or Kim Daejung's policy. If it's necessary, we use it; if it's unnecessary, we discard it."

He is a pragmatic, results-oriented person. While he is praised for his flexibility, he is also criticized for lacking a clear direction. He is certainly a candidate who deviates from the traditional trajectory of the Democratic Party. For this reason, although internal dissenting voices are currently subdued due to the nature of the presidential election period, such voices could emerge at any time. Pragmatism often aligns with a performance-based approach. If results are delivered, applause follows, but if not, criticism such as "inconsistent" or "neither here nor there" is quick to arise. This is a fundamental challenge that Lee faces.

Kim Moonsu, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is an ideological figure. He is steadfast. While he is regarded as upright, there is criticism that he lacks flexibility. Rather than adapting quickly to shifting issues, he tends to stick to established positions. His response to the 'Yoon Sukyeol defection' issue is emblematic. A former associate who worked with Kim in the past commented, "His stubbornness is extraordinary." His spouse, Seol Nanyeong, also appeared on GoseonggukTV on May 16 and said, "I think his upright and unyielding nature is a characteristic of noble families from Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province. He is dignified and slow-paced."

At a time when the reconfiguration of the conservative bloc is being called for, Kim Moonsu could quickly become an object rather than a subject. The conservative camp is facing a situation that demands revolutionary change, much like in 1994 when Kim entered politics. The moment is approaching when the entire landscape must be redrawn. Kim Moonsu faces the challenge of whether he will become a leading figure or merely a stepping stone.

Lee Junseok, the candidate of the Reform New Party, is a problem-solver. He argues that politicians should not avoid problems but confront them head-on and find solutions. His criticism of the subway protests organized by the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangryeon) is a prime example. He asserts that such protest methods are wrong, regardless of whether the participants are people with disabilities or not. Some call this stance discriminatory, while others praise it as courageous.

The differences among these three candidates were fully revealed in the first televised debate on May 18. Lee Jaemyung said that in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, "the response should be determined according to the situation." Kim Moonsu emphasized "the importance of trust" as the basic principle in trade negotiations with the United States. Lee Junseok highlighted "leadership that can communicate with foreign leaders." The distinct personalities of the three candidates suggest their respective decision-making styles: Lee Jaemyung values results, Kim Moonsu prioritizes principles, and Lee Junseok focuses on efficiency.

The world is undergoing rapid change. Diplomatic and security instability is increasing, and economic downturn signals are clear. In these 'foggy conditions,' who will steer the Republic of Korea? The June 3 presidential election, which is being held amid evaluations of martial law and impeachment, will be won by the candidate who can demonstrate the integrative power to unite these different types of leadership. Only fifteen days remain.