Park Jiwon: "Victory if No Mistakes, but a 50-to-49 Race if It Becomes a Camp Battle" [So Jongseop's Sogteoview]

"Candidate Lee Jaemyung's personal safety is the only variable"
"There will be no unification between Kim Moonsoo and Lee Junseok"
"When I look at Lee Jaemyung, I see Kim Daejung"

Park Jiwon, co-chairman of the Democratic Party's joint election campaign committee, asserted, "As long as we don't make any mistakes, we will win unless there is an unexpected event," and firmly stated, "There will be no unification between Kim Moonsoo and Lee Junseok." On the afternoon of May 21 at 5:30 p.m., Park gave a phone interview with the Asia Economy YouTube channel 'AK Radio,' appearing busy campaigning between Seoul and Honam.

Park Jiwon, co-chairman of the Democratic Party's joint election campaign committee, said, "If there is a variable, it would be the personal safety issue of candidate Lee Jae-myung." Photo by Kim Hyunmin

How do you assess the current state of the race?

The desire to remove the ringleader of the rebellion and build a new, genuine Republic of Korea is uniting people behind Lee Jaemyung. As long as we don't make mistakes, we will win unless there is an unexpected event. In both elections and golf, if you get arrogant, public sentiment can turn against you in an instant. That's why we must remain humble and cautious. Internal discipline is crucial.

If there is a variable, what do you think it could be?

The personal safety of candidate Lee Jaemyung is probably the most important issue. Even presidential candidates are protected by the state, but we must also take extra precautions independently.

You said candidate Lee Jaemyung could achieve the highest vote share in history.

I mentioned two things. First, it is possible. However, if once again the final outcome is determined by camp logic, it will become a 50-to-49 game. To avoid repeating the defeat by a 0.73 percentage point margin in the last presidential election, we must stay alert and focused until the end. In golf, you only know the result when you take off your glove; in elections, you only know when the ballot box is opened. So let's do our best and remain humble?there is nothing more for me to say.

How do you see the public sentiment in the Yeongnam region?

As some polls show, support in Daegu·Gyeongbuk (TK) is over 31%, and it is even better in Busan·Gyeongnam (PK). Looking back to the days of President Kim Daejung, the goal then was to achieve a double-digit vote share, but only a single-digit result was achieved. This time, there is reason to be hopeful in Yeongnam. Especially since candidate Lee Jaemyung's hometown is TK. During the campaign, Lee even asked, "Is this really Daegu?" because so many people gathered. This election is about whether to end the rebellion or continue it. I believe sensible citizens will join in building a new Republic of Korea.

What about Honam?

Because Honam serves as a compass, we must raise not only the vote share but also the turnout rate. As co-chairman, I am responsible for Gwangju and Jeonnam. Yesterday (the 20th), candidate Lee Jaemyung's wife, Kim Hye-kyung, quietly visited Haenam. She had tea and a meal with about 10 Protestant pastors and Venerable Beopsang, the chief monk of Daeheungsa Temple. We are doing our utmost. Lawmakers are conducting listening tours along alleys, rice paddies, and fields in the region. If we show arrogance from thinking we've already won, public sentiment can turn overnight.

There have been reports that the Democratic Party is preparing for the possibility of a dramatic unification between candidates Kim Moonsoo and Lee Junseok. Do you see such a possibility?

There will be no unification between Kim Moonsoo and Lee Junseok. I say this definitively.

Park Jiwon stated that he is doing his best to increase not only the voting rate but also the turnout rate in Honam. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Why do you think so?

Lee Junseok is young?he is 40 years old this year. He should be thinking about the future, but if he compromises and unifies like an old-school politician, especially joining the reactionary conservative forces that are part of the rebellion, he has no future. If he completes the race and receives more than, or around, 10% of the vote, his future will be bright. From the beginning, Lee Junseok has clearly called for anti-martial law and anti-rebellion positions. He also cut ties with Yoon Gunhee (Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Keonhee).

Former President Yoon Sukyeol made a public appearance by watching a movie. How do you evaluate this?

It's a senseless act. When he left the People Power Party, his resignation statement sounded like an inauguration speech for Kim Moonsoo's campaign chairman. He was president and led the general election, but then claims there was election fraud? It's laughable to the point that people are joking Yoon Sukyeol has registered as a campaigner for Lee Jaemyung.

You also mentioned 'Hong Junpyo.' What is your outlook for the People Power Party after the presidential election?

History and the people will sternly judge the People Power Party through this June 3 presidential election. The People Power Party, as the force of rebellion, will disappear into history according to the will of the people. Former Mayor Hong Junpyo will reorganize the conservative forces and become party leader. Han Donghoon may have similar ambitions, but he is no match for Hong Junpyo.

Some are concerned that if the Democratic Party comes to power, it will control all three branches: legislative, judicial, and executive.

In the past, there were many ideological and even radical concerns about former President Kim Daejung. But he overcame them and became president. When I look at Lee Jaemyung, I see Kim Daejung. Lee Jaemyung is following in Kim Daejung's footsteps. More importantly, the People Power Party has a DNA that traditionally submits to authority, while the Democratic Party has a DNA of resisting power. Even giants like Kim Youngsam, Kim Daejung, and Roh Moo-hyun were expelled from their parties while serving as president when they did wrong. It is not Lee Jaemyung as an individual who will govern, but the Democratic Party's system. So there is no need for concern. I also gave candid advice to President Kim Daejung. Representative Lee Jaemyung has promised constitutional reform. If he doesn't keep his word, I will speak out. I have nothing to gain by staying silent. That is the kind of party the Democratic Party is.