Song Young-gil: "Ignore Zealous Supporters' Remarks Beyond Limits... No Obligation to Favor Specific Candidates" (Comprehensive)

100-Day Inauguration Press Conference
"No Political Debt to Favor Any Candidate" Amid 'Isimsongsim' Controversy

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 10th addressed the ‘text bomb’ incident targeting Lee Sang-min, chairman of the election management committee, during the party’s presidential primary, saying, “I question whether it is appropriate to quote words that pour out like excrement and use them in articles. I think they should be ignored.”

At a press conference marking his 100th day in office held at the National Assembly that day, Leader Song said, “I refer to criticism made with courtesy, but if it is abusive language, I think it is better not to look at it at all.”

Regarding the negative election battle between primary candidates, he pointed out, “Each camp should restrain enthusiastic supporters from making remarks that cross the line, but even if such remarks occur, they should be ignored,” adding, “The moment spokespeople or lawmakers officially quote such language, it rather worsens the situation.”

Leader Song emphasized, “We should ignore it first and internally restrain it,” and “It is undesirable for unrefined language from the internet to clash as official language in public settings.”

Regarding accusations that he is favoring a specific candidate, he drew a clear line, saying, “When I became party leader, I was not supported by any organized mobilization from a specific candidate’s camp and was elected through solitary efforts,” and “I have no political debt to take care of any particular candidate.” He added, “All interests lie not in the election of a specific candidate but in the Democratic Party’s candidate winning next year,” and “I believe it is necessary to manage the leading candidates in the polls so that they conduct the primary well and participate without hurting each other.”

On appealing to centrist voters, he said, “It is not easy for either the ruling or opposition parties to make statements or take actions toward the center,” and “Since this must be done after the candidate is confirmed, during that period, the party leader inevitably has to play the role of embracing the center.”

Regarding the recent talks of integration with the Open Democratic Party raised among presidential candidates, he said, “Since we are in the process of selecting a presidential candidate, discussions on integration are not appropriate,” but added, “The Open Democratic Party is an ally and a party we should work with. After the presidential candidate is selected, we will discuss how to cooperate with the candidate.”

On the parole of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, he said, “It is as if he received special benefits from public opinion and the Ministry of Justice,” and “I urge him to use this opportunity to serve the country and the people.”

Leader Song vowed, “I will succeed in establishing the fourth Democratic government and take responsibility for the successful conclusion of the Moon Jae-in administration,” and “I will move beyond 100 days of change and reform to 200 days of victory and harmony.”

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