Preliminary Primary for Democratic Party Leader Candidates... Woo Won-sik "Livelihood," Song Young-gil "Innovation," Hong Young-pyo "Reform"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Democratic Party of Korea's leadership candidates each appealed for support on the 18th at the preliminary primary, presenting themselves as the most suitable candidates.

Candidates Woo Won-sik, Song Young-gil, Hong Young-pyo, and Jeong Han-do (in order of speeches) delivered their party leader policy presentations at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, during the preliminary primary for selecting the party leader. Each emphasized different key points.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Candidate Woo emphasized "livelihood." He said, "The cause of defeat in this election can be summed up in one word: livelihood, the lives of the people, encompassing polarization, COVID-19, soaring real estate prices, and the LH scandal." He added, "The debate at the party convention should be nothing other than the people's issues of making a living and concrete solutions for livelihood." He also pledged to become a party leader who would bring in 5 million more votes for the success of the Moon Jae-in administration and the reestablishment of the government.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Candidate Song stated, "Only reform and innovation through harsh self-reflection can save the Democratic Party," and promised, "I will implement competent reforms that produce tangible results through national consensus and persuading the opposition."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Candidate Hong said, "Reform is the reason the Democratic Party exists," and declared, "I will carry out the reforms mandated by the people without interruption. We will definitely achieve prosecution reform and media reform." He emphasized, "I entered politics in 2002 to protect candidate Roh Moo-hyun. I took the lead in making President Moon Jae-in in 2012 and 2017. I will take responsibility for President Moon's success."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Jeong Han-do, a 1991-born Yongin City council member running for party leader, said, "The Democratic Party must eliminate its authoritarian culture," adding, "We must completely remove the pretentiousness, old-fashioned attitudes, and 'ajusshi' culture within us for young people to return."

According to the Democratic Party's constitution and regulations, if there are four or more candidates for party leader, the preliminary primary must narrow the field to three candidates. The results of the preliminary primary vote by the Central Committee will be announced around 2 p.m. today.

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