Choi Narrows Distance with First-Term Lawmakers... From MBTI to 'Policy Discussions'

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, is giving a lecture at the People Power Party's first-term lawmakers' meeting "Myeongbulheojeon Conservative Season 5" held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 11th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Choi Jae-hyung, former head of the Board of Audit and Inspection and a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, has begun efforts to close the gap with first-term lawmakers.

On the 11th, Choi appeared at 'Myeongbulheojeon Bosuda,' a gathering of first-term lawmakers from the People Power Party, and gave a lecture titled 'Choi Jae-hyung's Choices and the Role of the President.' The People Power Party has 57 first-term lawmakers, making up the largest portion of the total 104 members.

He introduced his experiences as a husband, judge, and head of the Board of Audit and Inspection, revealing the trajectory of his life. Along with this, he specifically explained his vision of the president's role. In particular, he said, "I will be a president who works together with the National Assembly," promising a strong relationship with the legislature by stating, "Not a president who pushes through, but one who deliberates and persuades together, sometimes being persuaded and making concessions, and who gathers public opinion to unify the nation."

During a Q&A session with the lawmakers, he revealed an unexpected side by sharing that his MBTI (personality type test) came out as 'The Entertainer, a free spirit.' He said, "My wife said, 'Isn't this not who you are but who you want to be?' I feel tense and challenged adapting to the new environment since entering politics," adding, "My free spirit has not yet been fully expressed, but if you look forward to it, it will gradually come out," maintaining a gentle atmosphere.

When asked about 'what he told his sons when they were struggling,' he became emotional and shared a letter his son wrote. Choi adopted and raised two sons. He said, "(My son) said, 'When I see friends who grew up together in orphanages or school friends, the future looks really bleak,'" adding, "'But Dad, you can do it, so please do that work for us.'"

He also emphasized youth issues, saying, "Rather than saying 'It would be good if this or that happened,' I think it is more important to empathize and talk together," and stressed, "Young people are the 2030 generation, the same age as my sons. I will empathize with the pain I heard and felt from my children and work to solve these problems together."

In addition, he shared his thoughts on policy-related questions. Regarding 'pension reform' and 'labor reform,' Choi said, "Everyone is concerned that the pension system is unsustainable. However, this issue cannot be decided by the president alone; it requires persuasion and decisions in the National Assembly," and added, "Regarding labor reform, if we pay attention to the citizens harmed by established labor unions and persuade the National Assembly, I believe it is possible."

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