Choo Mi-ae "Presidential Bid? ...If You Feel My Future Vision Is Needed"

"Can You Just Step Up Anytime?"
"It's Difficult to Speak on This Matter Here," Holds Back Comments

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is seen leaving the government Gwacheon complex after the farewell ceremony held on the afternoon of January 27, greeting supporters near the main gate after getting out of the vehicle. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae recently addressed rumors about her potential candidacy in the next presidential election, saying, "I have various thoughts on the matter," but added, "If I am useful, I can step forward, but it doesn't mean I can do so anytime I want."

On the afternoon of the 17th, after receiving a plaque of appreciation for her contributions to the enactment and revision of the Jeju 4·3 Special Act at the Jeju 4·3 Peace Park, former Minister Chu met with reporters and said, "When we understand the tasks demanded by the times and agree that we must solve them together, if I am useful, I can step forward."

She stated, "We have passed through the 20th century, which included the era of industrialization and wars globally and in our country, and now 20 years have already passed since entering the 21st century," adding, "However, our way of thinking still has regressive forces trying to crush any truth with black-and-white logic."

She continued, "Even though we have already raised candles to overthrow the constitutional order and succeeded in a citizen revolution, there are still forces trying to reverse that."

Former Minister Chu emphasized, "For this era to move forward steadily, politicians who contemplate in line with the direction of the times must take the lead," and added, "Citizens who feel this pace is insufficient will demand leaders who can solve the challenges of the times."

She further said, "There will be those among you who are well-prepared and thoughtful to meet the call and demands of the times," and added, "Unless you feel my various future visions are necessary and call me, it is difficult to explain everything here as I am currently considering many things in my own way."

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

Meanwhile, recently, some quarters have raised rumors about former Minister Chu's potential presidential candidacy. The argument is that as former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl rises in the opposition camp, Chu could be spotlighted as an alternative.

Yoon Tae-gon, head of the political analysis office at The Moa, recently said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "The more former Prosecutor General Yoon rises, the more former Minister Chu will appear with frames like 'Doesn't that person have problems?' or 'I am the one who can catch Yoon Seok-youl.'"

In response to the host's question, "The talk that former Minister Chu might run in the next presidential election is gradually becoming serious," he emphasized, "People like Chu Mi-ae and Chung Sye-kyun (Prime Minister) inevitably will run."

He explained, "They have achieved everything, so there is no challenge left except the next level. Even if they fail, that challenge is all that remains."

In particular, Yoon analyzed, "In the case of former Minister Chu, isn't she riding on former Prosecutor General Yoon? Although Yoon Seok-youl rose because of Chu Mi-ae, the so-called hardline supporters of the ruling party are sticking to Chu Mi-ae because of Yoon Seok-youl."

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