"Need a Paradigm Shift" vs "I Am the Successor of the Democratic Party" Park Young-sun and Woo Sang-ho Clash Over Party Identity in Debate

Candidate Park: "Support for the ruling party rose after my candidacy... Park Young-sun effect"
Candidate Woo: "Inheriting the legitimacy of democracy and progressivism with pro-people, progressive policies"

Park Young-sun (right) and Woo Sang-ho, candidates for the Democratic Party's Seoul mayoral primary, are debating in the Democratic Party's Seoul mayoral candidate primary debate held on the 15th at MBC in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] On the 15th, Park Young-sun and Woo Sang-ho, preliminary candidates of the Democratic Party running in the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election, engaged in a sharp exchange of words on MBC's '100-Minute Debate.' During the debate, the two candidates clashed over so-called 'Democratic Party-like pledges.'

First, when Candidate Woo pointed out, "I have doubts about whether (Candidate Park's policies) are appropriate as a Democratic Party candidate," Candidate Park responded, saying, "We need a change in perspective."

In the debate, Candidate Woo opened the discussion by saying, "I saw reports that after Candidate Park mentioned allowing reconstruction in Gangnam, Gangnam housing prices fluctuated."

He continued, "President Moon Jae-in is deeply concerned about stabilizing housing prices," and questioned, "I have doubts about whether it was appropriate for a Democratic Party candidate to make such remarks." Earlier, Candidate Park had mentioned in a radio interview last month that she would partially allow reconstruction and redevelopment in the Gangnam area.

Candidate Woo also criticized Candidate Park's pledges for the '21-minute compact city' and 'Seoul vertical garden' developments, saying, "It is hard to see these as Democratic Party-like pledges."

Candidate Woo said, "Is it related to the lives of ordinary people to spend a huge amount of taxpayers' money on underground construction and building gardens?" He added, "I pointed out whether these are appropriate pledges for a Democratic Party candidate, but it feels somewhat idle. I wonder what relation it has to pledges for ordinary citizens."

Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party of Korea's preliminary candidate for Seoul mayor, is speaking at a press briefing on Lunar New Year public sentiment held at the National Assembly on the 14th. / Photo by Yonhap News

In response, Candidate Park replied with the intention that "a change in perspective is necessary." Regarding the so-called 'Gangnam redevelopment mention,' she said, "It was just one example," and drew a line by stating, "What I want to develop first is public housing in Gangbuk that is over 30 years old."

Regarding the criticism that some pledges lack relevance to the ordinary economy, she responded, "You need to change your perspective," and explained, "When buildings are constructed, public facilities such as emergency medical centers, small libraries, and care centers will be located on the first and second floors. From the third floor upwards, there will be housing for single-person and two-person households, and smart farms will be introduced."

Earlier, the two candidates had also engaged in a tense exchange over 'Democratic Party-likeness' the day before the debate (on the 14th).

At an event held in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Candidate Woo said, "It is hard to see (Candidate Park's) urban pledges as Democratic Party-like pledges," and criticized, "Candidates running for mayor, responsible for the lives of ten million Seoul citizens, should present their plans across the entire city administration." In response, Candidate Park's former ministerial camp immediately issued a statement saying, "What does it even mean to be Democratic Party-like? The 21-minute living zone is a fundamental alternative for an environmentally friendly city Seoul that reduces car use and energy consumption," rebutting the criticism.

Woo Sang-ho, a preliminary candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea running in the Seoul mayoral by-election, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the morning of the 14th, stating that he would verify the policies of preliminary candidate Park Young-sun. / Photo by Yonhap News

The fact that the two candidates are clashing over party identity is seen as an attempt to emphasize that they are the 'right candidate for the Democratic Party.' In fact, on the 15th, the day of the debate, both candidates repeatedly emphasized 'Democratic Party identity.'

Candidate Park said during the debate, "Before I declared my candidacy, there were talks that the Democratic Party's approval rating was not reaching that of the People Power Party, making it a very difficult election," and added, "However, from a week after my declaration, the Democratic Party's approval rating has been on the rise."

She continued, "Public opinion analysts called this the 'Park Young-sun candidacy effect,'" and emphasized, "It is important to reflect more on this recovery in approval ratings and to form a consensus with a humble attitude."

Candidate Woo also stated, "(I believe) that a broad coalition of the pro-democracy camp is necessary for victory, and for this, pro-people policies and progressive policies must be put forward," and claimed, "To unite the progressive camp, Woo Sang-ho, who inherits the legitimacy of democracy and progressivism, is the right candidate."

After the debate, Candidate Woo also posted on his Facebook, emphasizing, "The most Democratic Party-like candidate, the humble candidate for the ordinary people's mayor," and said, "Woo Sang-ho will stand by your side until the end."

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