In the Midst of Primary Rule Controversy, Jeong Hong-won Issues Appeal: "I Will Lead the Primary Without Personal Bias"

Lee Jun-seok, Chairman Jeong Hong-won Express Intent to Renew Confidence

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Jeong Hong-won, the management committee chairman for the People Power Party’s presidential primary, stated on the 2nd, "I will lead the primary with fairness as the highest goal from beginning to end, without any personal interests."

On the same day, through an appeal letter in the name of the election management committee chairman, Jeong addressed the presidential candidates, saying, "In this critical situation where we must embody the hopes of the people, we must unite as one." He added, "If it aligns with common sense and natural order, I am prepared to make the bold decision to abandon minor disputes," and earnestly requested, "I sincerely ask the candidates to participate and cooperate so that after the primary, everyone can join hands and unite their strengths to build a proper nation in a pleasant primary."

He appealed again, "I urge you to change your resolve so that you can become a candidate remembered in history with praise rather than for personal gain."

Jeong has recently been criticized over the issue of introducing a ‘reverse vote prevention clause’ in the primary rules. Some candidates have raised concerns, citing Jeong’s media interviews where he expressed support for former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. They pointed out that although the primary preparation committee had concluded not to introduce the reverse vote prevention clause and the decision was approved by the Supreme Council, Jeong is trying to overturn it for Yoon.

Regarding this, Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, expressed trust, saying, "I believe Chairman Jeong will avoid any fairness controversies." However, concerning the primary rules, he stated, "The plan prepared by the primary preparation committee was approved by the Supreme Council," and added, "The election management committee has the authority to modify and apply the ratified plan."

Below is the full text of Chairman Jeong’s appeal letter.

Appeal.

Dear respected candidates,

I am Jeong Hong-won, appointed as the chairman of the People Power Party’s 20th presidential candidate election management committee.

At nearly 80 years old, I initially intended to decline this heavy responsibility due to my limitations, but after a sincere request from Party Leader Lee Jun-seok, I decided to take on this role, believing it is my duty to dedicate myself if the country needs me.

Looking at each of the People Power Party’s presidential candidates, I feel proud as they are all outstanding figures.

Therefore, although I believe everyone understands this well, I thought it proper to express my thoughts as the election management committee chairman and to appeal for your understanding and participation.

As you know, South Korea is currently in a desperate situation, seemingly running toward the edge of a cliff.

There is no hopeful area in security, diplomacy, economy, or society; corruption is rampant, fairness has disappeared, the rule of law is being undermined, and the country is becoming one where common sense does not prevail.

In this situation, the only way for us to survive is for a People Power Party candidate to become president and restore the country to a normal state.

Therefore, next year’s presidential election is nothing less than a decisive election for the nation’s fate.

When news spread that I would take on the role of election management committee chairman, I was overwhelmed by the cheers of countless citizens yearning for a regime change, reaffirming that regime change is a mission of our time.

Dear respected candidates,

In this critical situation where we must embody the hopes of the people, we must unite as one.

We must all proceed on the path of righteousness, and I believe that only by adopting a noble attitude of accepting personal sacrifice for the sake of the country’s proper standing can we meet the public’s expectations.

I will lead the primary with fairness as the highest goal from beginning to end, without any personal interests.

If it aligns with common sense and natural order, I am prepared to make the bold decision to abandon minor disputes.

I earnestly ask the candidates to participate and cooperate so that after the primary, everyone can join hands and unite their strengths to build a proper nation in a pleasant primary.

The people are watching us. I urge you again to change your resolve so that you can become a candidate remembered in history with praise rather than for personal gain.

I wish you success.

September 1, 2021

Jeong Hong-won, Chairman of the People Power Party’s 20th Presidential Candidate Election Management Committee

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