Three Yeo Party Leadership Candidates Say "Yoon Seok-yeol's Approval Rating Will Decline"

Hong Young-pyo, Song Young-gil, Woo Won-shik Debate
"Party Unity" "Faction Elimination" "Focus on Livelihood"
Three Different Renewal Plans Presented by the Democratic Party Trio
Unified Criticism of Kim Jong-in's Actions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Candidates running for the Democratic Party leadership election clashed again during a radio debate on the 21st. Regarding party reform plans, each claimed to be the right person and fiercely attacked their opponents. There were also significant differences in the reform methods they envisioned. However, they unanimously criticized the recent moves of former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in and the presidential bid of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol.

Democratic Party lawmakers Hong Young-pyo, Song Young-gil, and Woo Won-shik (in order of ballot number) appeared on TBS Radio’s “Kim Eo-jun’s News Factory” in the morning for the debate. Lawmaker Hong said, "I will unite the party and lead reforms centered on the party," while Lawmaker Song emphasized his lack of leadership experience, stating, "I will create change as a new face without relying on factions." Lawmaker Woo said, "I will focus on people’s livelihoods and regain public trust." Each presented different solutions for party reform.

They clashed when pointing out each other’s weaknesses. Lawmaker Hong said to Lawmaker Song, "Your leadership seems unstable," and criticized Lawmaker Woo by saying, "Isn’t your focus on people’s livelihoods too narrow?" Lawmaker Woo also criticized Lawmaker Song, saying, "When the party is in crisis, you only emphasize your own thoughts." In response, Lawmaker Song countered, "Lawmaker Hong has a dictatorial side. I think Lawmaker Woo is also biased toward one side."

However, they spoke with one voice regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who has emerged as a leading opposition presidential candidate, saying, "His approval ratings will not last." Lawmaker Woo downplayed Yoon’s chances, saying, "It is difficult to fully understand the public’s heart from a prosecutorial perspective." Lawmaker Hong also said, "I think former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in saw Yoon Seok-yeol best. In two or three months, his true colors will be revealed." Lawmaker Song, however, evaluated, "Yoon’s approval ratings are a point for us to reflect on. It reflects dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party that has translated into a windfall for him."

The three also continued to criticize former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in’s recent moves. Lawmaker Song said, "It could be a highly dictatorial move hoping to be reinstated." Lawmaker Hong said, "In short, Kim Jong-in’s presidential project has begun," suggesting Kim’s presidential ambitions have not been abandoned. Lawmaker Woo interpreted, "Rather than identity, he is someone moving toward a place where power is guaranteed," adding, "He is trying to establish his own political power while distinguishing himself from existing political forces."

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