Hong Young-pyo "Attempt at Party-Centered Politics... Accepts Criticism of Real Estate Policy Failure"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Juyun] Hong Youngpyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea running for the next party leader, emphasized party-centered politics and put the party's role at the forefront. Regarding the Moon Jae-in administration's real estate policy, he voiced that while the overall direction and tone should be maintained, detailed policies need to be revised.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 14th, Hong appeared on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyungyoung's Strongest Current Affairs' and said, "This year, above all, the task is for the party to stabilize and unite, and to support the Moon Jae-in administration's success until the end," adding, "I decided to run because I believe I am the most suitable for that."

Having consistently emphasized party stability and unity, Hong expressed the view that the party should take the lead in the party-government-office consultation process, stressing party-centered politics.

Hong said, "The party must take responsibility and lead on major policies and such," and added, "I believe the party should play a more central role, and in the relationship between the party, government, and Blue House, it is right that the party takes responsibility and leads."

He emphasized that during next year's presidential election process, the party should be central and able to adopt pledges and policies as party platforms. He explained that even after winning the election, the party would establish a foundation to take responsibility in national governance. He also mentioned the need to move away from the past practice where presidential candidates created think tanks.

Hong said, "The Democratic Party has as many as 173 lawmakers and 300,000 party members," adding, "By fully utilizing this potential, the party should take the lead in adopting the candidates' pledges and policies as party platforms and accept good policies from the candidates."

With the direction of the Democratic Party's new leadership on 'real estate policy' drawing the most attention, Hong caught attention by stating that while the current administration's real estate policy tone and direction are correct, detailed plans need revision.

Hong said, "Although the 24 rounds of real estate policies may have caused considerable confusion among the public, the real estate policy is now largely completed with the 2·4 policy focusing on supply measures, so I believe the tone and direction should not be shaken."

However, he hinted at the possibility of revising detailed policies.

Hong mentioned, "We need to review some detailed policies and present them again as realistic measures." He also partially accepted that the failure of real estate policy is cited as a cause of defeat in the April 7 by-elections.

When asked about the reasons for the election defeat, he pointed to the failure of real estate policy and 'double standards.'

Hong said, "I think I have to accept to some extent the criticism of incompetence due to the failure of real estate policy." Referring to 'double standards,' he diagnosed, "While talking about justice and fairness, why are we not strict with ourselves? These two are decisive problems."

To avoid being accused of double standards in the future, he emphasized that strict measures will be taken against real estate speculation. He explained that the results of a full-scale speculation investigation to be completed by the 30th will be reviewed, and if speculation by lawmakers is confirmed, strong responses including expulsion from the party will be taken.

He said, "I am really determined," adding, "If I become party leader, I am prepared to take all possible measures if it is confirmed that not only Democratic Party lawmakers but also related party officials are clearly involved in speculation."

Hong said, "Expulsion from the party is possible, and depending on the degree, various measures will be taken, but no matter what pain it entails, I believe it must be done."

Hong will hold a press conference at the National Assembly at 10 a.m. that day to announce his candidacy. Song Younggil and Woo Wonshik, who are also running for the next party leader, are scheduled to announce their candidacies on the 15th.

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