Yoo Seung-min Launches Presidential Bid... Hosts Real Estate Forum

劉, Office Named 'Huimang22'... Effectively a Presidential Campaign
Kim Jong-in, Joo Ho-young and Other Party Leaders Attend in Large Numbers
First-term Lawmakers' Meeting and Mapo Forum Lecture Scheduled for 25th and 26th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min has embarked on a full-scale presidential bid. On the 16th, Yoo will hold a forum titled "Housing Issues, Let's Restore the Ladder" at his office set up across from the National Assembly. Attention is focused on what alternative solutions the 'economic expert' Yoo will propose to replace the government and ruling party's real estate policies.

A representative from Yoo's side told Asia Economy in an interview that "(the forum) will be conducted in a format where three people engage in a dialogue," and added, "I think (Yoo) will also talk about various topics including the presidential race." The forum will feature panelists Professor Son Jae-young from Konkuk University's Department of Real Estate Studies and Professor Lee Sang-young from Myongji University's Department of Real Estate Studies.

Instead of holding an office opening ceremony, Yoo chose a series of forums titled "Ultimately, It's the Economy." This appears to be an effort to highlight his economic expertise. On the 11th, Yoo stated on Facebook, "No matter how much I criticize President Moon Jae-in on issues of jobs, housing, and national debt, it falls on deaf ears," and added, "The absurd claim that the August 15 rally caused a 0.5%p drop in GDP reflects the level of this administration. To revive the economy, the only way is to change the regime."

Yoo named his office "Hope22," incorporating the number symbolizing the 2022 presidential election. It is essentially a de facto presidential campaign office. Yoo is scheduled to give a lecture on the 25th at the People Power Party's freshman lawmakers' meeting called ‘Myeongbulheojeon Bosuda’ and on the 26th at the 'Towards a Better World' (Mapo Forum).

Kim Jong-in, the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee Chairman, appears to be supporting Yoo along with former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong as the party's presidential candidates. This stance is notably different from Kim's previous harsh criticism of opposition presidential hopefuls. Kim and party leaders including floor leader Joo Ho-young will also attend Yoo's comeback event in large numbers alongside incumbent lawmakers.

Kim's actions seem to reflect an intention to draw attention back to the People Power Party amid rising interest outside the party, such as the rapid emergence of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl as a presidential contender. After the Emergency Response Committee meeting on the 12th, Kim told reporters, "Isn't Yoon basically a person of the government and ruling party?" and added, "The fact that he has the highest approval rating as a government and ruling party person means he is the top within the government and ruling party."

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