Choi Seungjae Unwelcomed at His Parental Home... "I Will Systematize the Protection of Small Business Owners"

Choi Seung-jae, former president of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Choi Seung-jae, former chairman of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises and number 14 on the Future Korea Party's proportional representation list, spoke out about the 'representation controversy' raised by some. Choi said, "It is a limitation of my leadership that I could not embrace everyone," but also pledged, "Once I enter the National Assembly, I will demonstrate sincerity through legislative activities that benefit all small business owners and clear up misunderstandings."

In a phone interview with this outlet on the 26th, Choi said, "Regardless of progressive or conservative logic, I will consider how small business owners from all walks of life can live the happiest and best lives," adding, "Rather than making strenuous explanations, I think creating laws that bring hope to small business owners will satisfy more people."

Earlier, on the 22nd, the National Merchants Federation criticized Choi in a statement, saying, "Seven million merchants have fallen into ruin due to income-led growth policies and have been bombarded by COVID-19. Someone who abandoned the remaining term as chairman and jumped into politics is perceived as acting out of personal greed, not hope or expectation."

The Merchants Federation claims that Choi had been preparing to establish the Small Business Party (tentative name) as the chairman of the party founding preparation committee until recently, but the party formation was effectively canceled when he abruptly resigned from the chairmanship of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises. The federation views Choi's push for the Small Business Party as merely a 'spec-building' effort for his entry into the National Assembly. Choi was elected as the inaugural chairman of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises in February 2015, was re-elected in 2018, and his term was until the end of March 2021.

Choi said, "There are many classes and a large number of small business owners, so various opinions can arise," adding, "(Regarding the emergence of such opposition) I am honestly surprised, but it may be due to my lack of tolerance and leadership. I believe that if I show efforts to embrace everyone, misunderstandings will be resolved and calm will return."

He continued, "There is a big gap between administration and the field, but I will help narrow that gap by conveying the voices from the field," adding, "With the belief that 'the market is always right,' I will further systematize the small business protection system."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.