[Q&A] Choi Jae-hyung: "Real Estate Issue? It Can Be Solved If Opposed to Moon Government"

Former Auditor General Choi Jae-hyung, a preliminary presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is making his presidential bid announcement on the 4th at Miracle Studio in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by the National Assembly Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung officially announced his presidential bid on the 4th. His campaign slogan was "A Korea to the Fullest." Former Chairman Choi presented policies ranging from those for the future generation, the "youth," to the normalization of public education, pension system reform, and a comprehensive review of energy policies including the phase-out of nuclear power. Below is a Q&A session between reporters and former Chairman Choi.

- What is the specific roadmap for overcoming the crisis on the Korean Peninsula? Do you believe a top-down approach between leaders is effective in inter-Korean relations?

▲ For peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, I am willing to meet anyone, anytime, anywhere. The reality in North Korea is a system where all decisions are made by Chairman Kim Jong-un. Ultimately, I believe there are many issues that need to be resolved by leaders meeting rather than just working-level discussions.

- You mentioned pursuing confident diplomacy. Given the complicated nature of Korea-Japan relations, how do you plan to resolve them?

▲ Confident diplomacy means principled diplomacy for national interests. Korea-Japan relations are very complicated, and I think one major cause is both countries using diplomacy for political purposes. Diplomacy should be resolved through diplomacy. Historical issues and current national interests should be handled separately. I will work together to break the deadlock caused by obsession with the past and inability to move forward.

- I heard your mother-in-law has a special connection with former First Lady Francesca Rhee.

▲ I understand that my mother-in-law was Mrs. Francesca's personal secretary until 1959 before marriage. She stopped working as a secretary after getting married.

- You said you want to create a country where young people can live well.

▲ It pains me to think about young people's job problems. Our generation found it easier to get a job after graduation, and saving hard made it not so difficult to own a home. But seeing young people suffer because of mistakes made by our generation makes me feel sorry. To create better jobs, the government should not intervene directly but create an environment where companies can make good profits. When companies do well, jobs naturally increase. Young people want at least a fair chance to compete and opportunities to rise even if they fail. I want to build a country where those who follow fair rules govern, not those who enjoy privileges, so young people can believe "our country has become fair" and "if I compete fairly and work hard, I can succeed."

- Do you have specific alternatives for real estate policy?

▲ Real estate is the policy causing the most pain to the people. I think the Moon Jae-in administration ignored the dream of home ownership and pushed ideological policies, which created the current real estate hell. Simply put, doing the opposite of what this government has done can solve the real estate problem. There should be sufficient supply led by the private sector, excessive capital gains taxes should be eased so multi-homeowners put properties on the market, and holding and capital gains taxes should be boldly reduced for single-home owners. People need to feel stable enough to avoid the rush to buy homes urgently.

- Why should you be president instead of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl?

▲ Our country is almost in a state of internal division. I am free from the past issues that caused this division. I have no political debts. I believe I am a candidate with the strength to unify the people and rebuild the country. Secondly, I have lived as a lifelong judge and Board of Audit and Inspection chairman, upholding law and principles, and have had the opportunity to review the entire state affairs. I am the best candidate to restore the rule of law and solve national issues. Lastly, our people want a righteous leader who empathizes with their pain and whom they can trust and follow. I believe my life experience meets those demands.

- How will you handle public diplomacy?

▲ Diplomatic relations with China are very important in our diplomacy due to their economic impact. Recently, with escalating US-China conflicts, our diplomatic standards are being questioned. The first priority is principled, national interest-driven, and confident diplomacy. Many citizens are angry at the current government's submissive attitude toward China, unable to speak properly regardless of what China says. Economic interests between China and Korea are mutual, not one-sided. We supply important goods to China as well. We should conduct confident diplomacy with China while strengthening relations with countries that share values of liberal democracy, rule of law, and peace.

- You have criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's pledges. Is there a special reason? Do you have alternatives?

▲ Governor Lee's key pledge, basic income, seems unrealistic and dishonest to the people. Giving about 80,000 won monthly is not sufficient support. Support should be concentrated on those truly in need. The government currently patches welfare policies as needed, but the entire welfare system should be reviewed to ensure limited resources are generously provided to those who really need them.

- Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon criticized your statement that raising the minimum wage is akin to a crime, saying you lack depth. What do you think?

▲ I believe the government's initial intention was good, to help those in difficulty by raising the minimum wage. But what has the result been? It has taken away jobs and pushed the truly vulnerable into harder lives. I can accept Kim's point. I will study economics diligently to propose better alternatives to the people.

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, a preliminary presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is making his presidential campaign announcement on the 4th at Miracle Studio in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

- The current government passed laws tightening regulations on companies, such as the Serious Accident Punishment Act. What do you think about this?

▲ Regulations on companies have purposes and both positive and negative aspects. It's hard to judge as simply right or wrong by looking at one side. We must see if the regulations are balanced and whether they help business activities and economic development. I think the Serious Accident Punishment Act excessively restricts corporate activities and expands liability.

- There are rumors about postponing the South Korea-US joint military exercises due to remarks by North Korean Kim Yo-jong. What is your stance?

▲ I cannot understand why our South Korea-US joint exercises for our security should be stopped or postponed because of Kim Yo-jong's remarks. We are the main subject of our security. The Republic of Korea must be responsible for the people's security. It is unacceptable to let North Korea's remarks dictate our security.

- You mentioned pension reform as one of your pledges.

▲ The most important issue in pension reform is whether the current system is sustainable. A system where people pay less and receive more, inevitably depleting the fund, is a future burden for young people. The Moon Jae-in administration failed to do what was necessary over the past four years due to political considerations, worsening the problem. Though difficult, I will deliberate with the people to create a sustainable pension system for stable living in old age.

- Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl's feminism remarks have caused controversy. What are your thoughts?

▲ I am not sure about the truth of Yoon's remark that feminism blocks heterosexual relationships. It is painful that young people suffer conflicts over gender issues, and it must be resolved. The government should strive to create a system where both men and women have fair opportunities and compete fairly.

- In your declaration, you said the Blue House should no longer interfere unlawfully or unfairly in personnel matters. Are there actual cases?

▲ While in public office, I saw that the Blue House effectively appoints people to positions without presidential personnel authority, and such people end up loyal to the regime rather than the institution, causing dysfunction. I cannot disclose specific cases here.

- Some say you declared your candidacy prematurely, before being fully prepared.

▲ I did not resign with the firm intention to enter politics. I have thought deeply and made this decision. I admit I am not fully prepared on overall state affairs and policies as expected, but I will work harder.

- Do you have plans to raise your approval ratings?

▲ Approval ratings fluctuate. I will engage in many activities to increase recognition and show my true self, hoping more people will choose me.

- What are your thoughts on labor reforms such as the 52-hour workweek?

▲ Rather than applying the 52-hour workweek uniformly, I think flexible application is needed to allow our economy to be more active.

- Among past presidents, who do you rate highest in terms of constitutional values?

▲ President Rhee Syngman had his faults, but I think he played the most important role in laying the foundation of liberal democracy in Korea.

- You have a strong conservative image. How do you plan to embrace centrists and progressives?

▲ I am not that conservative. I have served as a judge with a balanced perspective, and regardless of conservative or progressive, I believe no one loves the country or thinks about its future more than I do. If people who love the country and share the same vision unite, we can achieve integration.

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