Jung Hong-won Emphasizes "Fairness" Amid 'Reverse Selection Controversy'... "Yoon Support? Misinterpretation"

Jeong Hong-won, Chairman of the People Power Party Election Commission, is attending the meeting to gather opinions on the primary election rate held at the National Assembly on the 1st, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Jeong Hong-won, former Prime Minister and chairman of the People Power Party's presidential primary election commission, has emphasized "fairness." He refuted claims from some quarters that the adoption of the "reverse choice prevention clause" was intended to support a specific candidate, calling such assertions "strained interpretations."

On the 1st, at a commission meeting held at the National Assembly, Chairman Jeong stated, "The election commission, including the chairman and members, is firmly resolved to act with true fairness to meet the public's expectations. That is our highest goal, and we are working with the attitude of doing our best to achieve it."

This is interpreted as Chairman Jeong being conscious of criticism that the primary rules, including the introduction of the reverse choice prevention clause, had already been decided. He explained, "If there were a finalized proposal, we would just follow it. Why would we deliberately make things difficult and continue to debate this issue? The Primary Election Preparation Committee (Gyeongjunwi) played a role in creating various proposals and collecting data to make the work easier once the election commission was launched. Therefore, even if the Gyeongjunwi has a proposal, it cannot be finalized."

He continued, "The election commission must make the final decision or the highest committee must approve it through proper procedures, and only then does it become a finalized proposal. Since there was no finalized proposal and it could not be finalized, the election commission is now in a situation where it must take on this issue and reach a conclusion. I clearly state that the claim that there is a finalized proposal and that it is being changed is absurd," he added.

Chairman Jeong also addressed criticism that he supports former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. He had met with former Prosecutor General Yoon last month. He said, "When a person mentioned as a candidate visits national elders, and since I consider myself an elder, how could I refuse such a visit? It is a customary visit, and refusing it would be improper. It is inappropriate to make such strained interpretations and say that this means support," he emphasized.

Chairman Jeong said, "We should focus on solidifying the foundation and preparing practical plans. There is no reason to step forward and act arrogantly, nor do I have any such intention. I urge all candidates to encourage each other and devote themselves solely to creating a normal Republic of Korea, a truly upright Republic of Korea."

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