Woo Won-sik "Presidential Candidates Should Not Run in the Party Convention"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Woo Won-sik, a Democratic Party lawmaker and candidate for party leadership, publicly called on presidential candidates including Lee Nak-yeon, chairman of the Democratic Party's COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee, and former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, to refrain from running for party leadership on the 14th.

On the same day, Woo posted on his Facebook with the title "Requesting presidential candidates to reconsider running in the party leadership election to prevent a convention that only leaves wounds," making this demand.

He began by saying, "The Democratic Party, with 177 seats (including the Speaker of the National Assembly), must take the lead in overcoming the upcoming climate crisis, economic crisis, and furthermore the 'era of disparity,' fueled by the solidarity, dedication, and pride in protecting the community shown by the people," adding, "We must strongly support the Moon Jae-in administration, which is putting all its efforts into quarantine, livelihood, and overcoming the national crisis, and build the foundation to create the 4th Democratic government based on those achievements."

He continued, "The party convention has the mission to establish a foothold for overcoming the livelihood crisis and regaining power, but as the candidacies of two presidential hopefuls become certain, its character is changing into a preliminary battle for the presidential election," and argued, "Old formulas such as alliances, power struggles, and proxy disputes are already being used as media topics."

He added, "There is no sign of intense debate over solutions to the crisis or the values and direction of the Democratic Party," and pointed out, "Concerns within the party are growing that we might be returning to the past of repeated conflicts and divisions."

Woo said, "If the party becomes a battleground for presidential candidates, given the symbolism and fierce competition between the two candidates, any outcome could leave deep wounds on our precious presidential hopefuls," emphasizing, "When a candidate wavers, the party must protect them, and when the party falters, the candidates must unite and lead together?this is the way to build a strong Democratic Party that members and the public desire."

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