[Interview] Won Hee-ryong: "Creating 30 Years of Sustenance through 'Digital Innovation Growth'"

Resignation from Provincial Office 'Conscience and Public Service Ethics' Issues... Provincial Administration and Primary Election Practically Impossible

Regime Change "Conservatives Must Unite Their Strength and Expect Centrist Expansion"

Former Jeju Governor and People Power Party presidential candidate Won Hee-ryong is holding a press conference after paying respects at the National 5.18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Jamin

[Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Chang-won] [Editor's Note] Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, is undertaking an extensive campaign. Following his resignation from the governor position, he voluntarily disclosed his real estate and asset details, working tirelessly to piece together the world he envisions based on trust. Having served three consecutive terms as a member of the National Assembly from the 16th to the 18th sessions and as the 37th and 38th Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, he resigned from his governorship after declaring his presidential candidacy, ending his seven-year leadership of Jeju Province. Former Governor Won explains that his resignation is a matter of conscience and public service ethics. His focus is set on March 9 of next year. We asked him about the world he dreams of.

▲ You criticized Governor Lee Jae-myung, who is still holding his governor position, accusing him of using the 'governor chance.' Could you elaborate?

= I view the resignation from the governor position as a matter of conscience and public service ethics. It is practically impossible to manage provincial administration and a primary election simultaneously. Therefore, I handed over my authority after a proper transition. In the case of candidate Lee Jae-myung, I believe the use of the 'governor chance' has already reached a dangerous level. Gyeonggi Province alone plans to provide disaster relief funds to the top 12% wealthiest individuals using its own budget. They are using taxpayers' money as a form of vote-buying. Recently, there was an attempt to appoint Hwang Kyo-ik as president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, and reports have emerged that Lee Jae-myung's people occupy key positions in Gyeonggi Province. This is no different from personal election campaigning using nearly 30 trillion won in budget, extensive publicity expenses, and personnel and command rights held as governor of Gyeonggi Province.

▲ The party primary is about to begin. What strengths will you leverage to gain support?

= I will make it known that only Won Hee-ryong can defeat candidate Lee Jae-myung and complete the regime change. Support based on momentary popularity cannot accomplish regime change. When facing Lee Jae-myung in the main election, it is crucial to determine who is prepared enough to defeat him. Who should run as the People Power Party candidate to unite conservative power and expect moderate expansion? Ultimately, people will recognize that only Won Hee-ryong can hold his own and even overwhelm Lee Jae-myung in debates.

▲ Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the party primary?

= Ultimately, it will likely be a contest between Yoon Seok-youl and Won Hee-ryong. Currently, candidate Yoon Seok-youl holds a slightly advantageous position as he confidently confronts the Moon Jae-in administration and carries an image of fairness and justice, but I believe he is still underprepared. While the general election is a judgment election, the presidential election is a hopeful election. We must answer who can do better than the Moon Jae-in government, who can take responsibility for South Korea's future for the next 30 years, and who can defeat Lee Jae-myung. As verification and debates proceed through the primary process, the best-prepared candidate will emerge. I will demonstrate that only Won Hee-ryong can defeat Lee Jae-myung in the main election. You can expect a great comeback.

▲ There was a conflict with Lee Jun-seok ahead of the primary. Has that been resolved?

= First, this started from a desperate desire to uphold a fair primary, but I regret that it appeared as internal party strife and caused various controversies between the party leader and candidates. As one of the candidates, I sincerely apologize to the public. Since Representative Lee Jun-seok personally promised to uphold a fair primary and even apologized, I believe this matter has been well resolved. Now that the election commission chairperson has been decided, I will renew my spirit, actively cooperate, and approach the primary with humility to achieve a fierce contest and regime change with a one-team spirit. I trust that the public will see a fair yet intense primary process overflowing with policy alternatives for South Korea's future, well managed by all involved.

▲ What is your stance on Representative Yoon Hee-sook's resignation?

= It is both surprising and regrettable. I personally have a connection with candidate Yoon Hee-sook since university, and we occasionally shared meals and candidly encouraged each other. I believe she made this decision because she holds herself to very high standards. While President Moon Jae-in is ignoring violations of the Farmland Act, and about ten Democratic Party lawmakers still hold their positions, it is truly unfortunate that she takes responsibility for something her parents did, which is not even her own matter.

▲ How do you view the Supreme Council's decision regarding People Power Party lawmakers suspected of speculation?

= First, I appreciate the party leadership for swiftly deciding after reviewing individual explanations and the severity of the cases, and I respect their judgment. From the beginning, I have emphasized excluding political calculations of advantage or disadvantage and focusing solely on the people suffering from real estate issues. I hope that wise and unwavering follow-up measures will be taken to conclude this matter without any suspicion, in line with the public's expectations.

▲ What is your opinion on the Democratic Party's unilateral passage of the Media Arbitration Act in the early morning hours?

= At 4 a.m., the darkest hour before dawn, democracy in South Korea was stolen. Those who create fake news, use the media for propaganda and agitation, and drag citizens into street politics are now gagging the media and destroying democracy. They shout for democratization with their mouths but dream of dictatorship in their minds. They will face the judgment of history. The amendment to the Media Arbitration Act is, in short, a 'media control law.' Following control over the prosecution, legislature, and judiciary, this is the final step in controlling the media. I strongly oppose it, viewing it as the endpoint of the Moon Jae-in administration's attempt to control the media.

▲ Is there a special reason you have visited many traditional markets during your livelihood campaign?

= 'Wise questions and practical answers.' I believe the solution lies in the field. Throughout my 20 years in politics and administration, I have repeatedly confirmed that carefully observing the field and listening to its voices can lead to the answers we seek. My first pledge, the '100 Trillion Won Project to Support Small Business Owners and Self-Employed,' stems from this effort. Without first saving those who make up 25% of our economy, the recovery of the common economy is impossible. In the first year, 50% of operating loss will be compensated, and over the next four years, 10 trillion won annually will be invested to support industry transition or digital transformation of existing industries to enhance productivity and competitiveness of small businesses and the self-employed.

▲ What strategy do you have regarding economic growth methodology?

= The core of my economic growth theory is 'digital innovation growth.' President Park Chung-hee achieved first-generation economic growth through 'industrialization,' represented by the Gyeongbu Expressway, and Presidents Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung completed second-generation economic growth through 'informatization.' The third-generation economic growth in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution will be determined by capabilities in 'artificial intelligence' and 'climate change response.' We must complete third-generation economic growth through AI, carbon neutrality, and the electric-hydrogen vehicle revolution. During my seven years as Jeju governor, I transformed Jeju into a paradise for electric and hydrogen vehicles and presented a standard model for carbon neutrality in South Korea. I will expand Jeju's experience and achievements nationwide to create South Korea's future economic foundation for the next 30 years.

▲ Finally, why must it be Won Hee-ryong? Please give a closing remark.

= Because only Won Hee-ryong can defeat candidate Lee Jae-myung and complete regime change. If Lee Jae-myung comes to power, he will bankrupt South Korea beyond just a 'Season 2' of the Moon Jae-in government. Despite serious issues with his personality, dignity, and the realism of his pledges as a presidential candidate, he is currently the strongest candidate. Ultimately, the main election will be a contest of debates, administrative experience, and national governance capability against Lee Jae-myung, and only Won Hee-ryong can face him. As a candidate with conservative legitimacy, moderate appeal, a life history that can neutralize any negative attacks, abundant administrative experience, and high political skills, I, Won Hee-ryong, am the only candidate who can defeat Lee Jae-myung.

Former Jeju Governor and People Power Party presidential candidate Won Hee-ryong paid respects at the grave of lawyer Hong Nam-soon in the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 26th, explaining their connection. Photo by Yoon Ja-min

Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Chang-won captain@asiae.co.kr

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