Choi Jae-hyung: "I Will Be Evaluated on My Own, Not as an Alternative to Yoon"... Party Entry to Be 'Further Reviewed'

Choi Jae-hyung, Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman, "I Will Steadily Walk Forward with the Thought of 'Illuminating the Republic of Korea'"

Former Auditor General Choi Jae-hyung is seen visiting the grave of the late General Baek Seon-yeop at the National Daejeon Memorial Cemetery in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, on the morning of the 12th, and then moving on. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Choi Jae-hyung, a presidential candidate from the opposition, expressed his determination to be evaluated not as an 'alternative' to former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl but on his own merits. Regarding whether he will join the People Power Party, he stated that he will take time to 'consider' the matter.

On the morning of the 12th, after holding a Samwooje memorial rite for his father, retired Navy Colonel Choi Young-seop, at the National Daejeon National Cemetery, Choi told reporters, "Some people say I am an alternative to former Prosecutor General Yoon, but I want to be evaluated as myself," adding, "Throughout my life, I have not lived in a way that benefits my own interests, and I will approach politics with the same mindset."

Choi continued, "Former Prosecutor General Yoon is currently one of the most highly supported figures, and I will think more about the possibility of a cooperative relationship with him before commenting," explaining, "I don't think this is the right stage to discuss this."

He showed a cautious stance regarding joining the People Power Party. When asked by reporters about joining the party, he replied, "Although I have no political experience, I understand politics as a process where people with shared intentions come together to achieve common goals," and added, "Based on this principle, I will consider the timing and whether to join the party."

On the same day, Choi conveyed his intention to run for president with the message, "I will walk steadily toward the goal of 'lighting up the Republic of Korea'." He said, "Lighting up the Republic of Korea means creating a country where all citizens, especially the youth, can live with hope for the future, and where warm light shines on those marginalized and struggling in various parts of our society," and added, "With this thought, I have decided to dedicate myself to politics." On the 8th, Choi had mentioned that the last words his father left in writing before passing were "Light up the Republic of Korea."

Choi stated, "The Republic of Korea is a proud legacy built, protected, and prospered by those who truly care for and love the country," but expressed the need for a change in government by saying, "However, looking at the recent situation, I cannot help but have serious doubts about whether our citizens, especially the youth, can live with hope for a better future."

Meanwhile, on the same day, Choi held the Samwooje memorial rite for his father and then visited the graves of General Baek Seon-yeop, the fallen from the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the Cheonan ship sinking, and the Yeonpyeong Island shelling. Choi said, "General Baek was a soldier my father respected greatly. I believe my father would have been pleased to visit General Baek’s grave, which is why I paid my respects," emphasizing, "The graves of the fallen from the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the Cheonan, and Yeonpyeong Island are where my father’s most cherished and beloved Navy juniors are buried. Visiting these sites is a way to uphold my father’s wishes."

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