Choi Jae-hyung, Who Has Expressed Resignation, Says "There Will Be Opportunities to Gradually Discuss Presidential Candidacy"

청, Acceptance of Audit Board Chairman's Resignation Intent... Choi Jae-hyung "Time to Reflect on What Role to Play"

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Naju-seok] On the 28th, Choi Jae-hyung, Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, expressed his intention to resign to President Moon Jae-in, taking a step closer to the opposition presidential race.

Chairman Choi plans to take some time to reflect on his role before finalizing his decision on political participation. The Blue House is expected to go through the procedure of accepting the resignation of the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, but it is likely to conclude by accepting Chairman Choi’s resignation.

On the same day, Chairman Choi met with reporters in front of the Board of Audit and Inspection and said, "I expressed my intention to resign because I thought it was inappropriate to continue in my position." In particular, he said, "I will take time to reflect on what role I should play for the future of the Republic of Korea." When asked about his candidacy for the presidential election, he was reserved, saying, "There will be an opportunity to talk about it gradually."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

For now, Chairman Choi is expected to take a political breather and then decide his course of action by referring to the People Power Party’s ‘presidential election timetable.’ A senior Blue House official said, "There is no need to reject someone who says they want to enter politics for other reasons." Although it may take some time, the analysis is that Chairman Choi’s resignation will eventually be approved by President Moon.

However, there may be some burden in immediately joining the opposition presidential race after stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, as it could amplify controversies over neutrality related to his actions during his tenure.

On the other hand, if the reflection period becomes too long, it could cause public fatigue and only increase disadvantages for latecomers, so the decision may not take a long time. The opposition has been sending explicit love calls to Chairman Choi along with former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl.

In particular, some have viewed Chairman Choi as a ‘Plan B’ to replace Yoon Seok-youl if he faces a crisis. Chairman Choi is regarded as a figure with several ‘stories,’ such as carrying a physically challenged friend to and from school during his school days and adopting and raising two children.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

His grandfather was an independence activist, and his father was a war hero who participated in the Battle of the Korea Strait during the Korean War. Although Chairman Choi was appointed by President Moon, he attracted attention from the opposition through his principled stance, including his opposition to nuclear power policies.

If Chairman Choi decides to participate in the opposition presidential race, the People Power Party will secure another ‘blockbuster card.’ Whether Chairman Choi will stir up the race or play his role merely as a catalyst for the presidential election’s excitement depends on public opinion trends.

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, said after the Supreme Council meeting on the same day, "A time for a solitary personal decision will be necessary," and evaluated, "I always have a good opinion of Chairman Choi, and he is someone who can coexist well."

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