Jeong Cheong-rae: "'Brief No.1' Yoon Seok-yeol Turns Opposition Presidential Candidates into Acorns"

"Yoon Seok-yeol's Approval Rating Will Soon Vanish Without a Trace"
"Yoon Seok-yeol's Emergence Is a Disaster for the People Power Party"
"Blocking Effect Causes Opposition Candidates to Fade Out," Critics Point Out

Jeong Cheong-rae, Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol’s sudden resignation and his rise to first place in the presidential candidate approval ratings, saying, "I predicted his support would 'spike' briefly," but also forecasted that "it will soon disappear without a trace."

On the 8th, Jeong wrote on his Facebook, "To conclude first, Yoon Seok-yeol’s brief surge to first place in approval ratings will soon vanish," adding, "Watching Yoon’s resignation statement, I guessed that he had chosen to enter politics."

He continued, "There is no use criticizing the shamelessness of using the Prosecutor General position as a stepping stone for political ambition," sarcastically criticizing, "He has embarked on the path of a shameless and cheap, run-of-the-mill politician."

He also said, "(Yoon) must have spent all day at home intoxicated by his approval ratings, contemplating his political plans. Since he only saw the mediocre politicians caught by the prosecution before him, he must be full of confidence," but pointed out, "There are not only politicians caught by the prosecution in this world. There are many capable political leaders with solid experience."

Jeong explained the conditions for a leader, saying, "A leader must have the spirit of the times, their own myth, a belief in history, nation, and democracy, and a strong support base that will stand by them until the end," and asked rhetorically, "Which of these does Yoon Seok-yeol have?"

On the afternoon of the 5th, when President Moon Jae-in approved the dismissal of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, an artificial cherry blossom sent by a supporter was hung in front of Yoon's residence in Seocho-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

According to a suitability survey for the next presidential candidate conducted by the Korea Society Opinion Institute (KSOI) on behalf of TBS on the 5th, targeting 1,023 people nationwide aged 18 and over, former Prosecutor General Yoon received the highest support at 32.4%, ranking first.

Following him were Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung (24.1%) and Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yon (14.9%) in second and third place, respectively. Next were independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo (7.6%), Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (2.6%), and former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae (2.5%).

Regarding these poll results, Jeong criticized, "There is no People Power Party," and pointed out, "The 'Yoon Seok-yeol blocking effect' has caused the People Power Party’s presidential candidates to fade out."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is giving a farewell speech as he leaves the Supreme Prosecutors' Office building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after resigning on the afternoon of the 4th. / Photo by Yonhap News

He added, "The worst-case scenario for the People Power Party is that Yoon Seok-yeol will turn the party’s presidential candidates into acorns for a while and then disappear like Ban Ki-moon, or remain on the outskirts of the third zone and torment the People Power Party like Ahn Cheol-soo," asserting, "Yoon’s entry into politics has become a disaster for the People Power Party. I wish Yoon good luck."

Meanwhile, on the 4th, former Prosecutor General Yoon held a press conference in front of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, stating, "I can no longer watch the common sense and justice that our society has built up over many years collapse," and announced his intention to resign, saying, "My role in the prosecution ends here."

In a letter to the prosecution members, he expressed his sorrow, saying, "I did my best aiming for a fair prosecution, a prosecution for the people, but I can no longer just watch the prosecution being destroyed and the anti-corruption system collapsing."

He emphasized, "I am stepping down from the Prosecutor General position to protect justice, common sense, democracy, and the rule of law in our society."

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