Choi Jae-hyung Mocked for 'Cutoff'... Jung Cheong-rae Says, "Don't Ever Poke Around Politics Again"

"Apologize to the Board of Audit and Inspection Staff" Criticism

Former Auditor General Choi Jae-hyung. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Ju-hee] Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, told former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, who was eliminated in the second preliminary round (cutoff) for the People Power Party's presidential candidate selection, "Do not ever poke around in politics again."

On the 8th, Jeong posted on his Facebook under the title "Supporting Actor in a Political One-Act Play," directly criticizing former Chairman Choi, saying, "Politics is not for just anyone. Politics is not a gambling game aiming for a quick fortune."

He continued, "Politics is also a highly specialized field. Don't have other thoughts and just leave well," and demanded, "You who dreamed a fleeting dream, apologize to the employees of the Board of Audit and Inspection."

On the same day, the People Power Party announced the results of the second cutoff, narrowing the presidential candidates from eight to four. Former Chairman Choi did not pass this cutoff hurdle. The final candidates advancing to the primary were Won Hee-ryong, Yoo Seung-min, Yoon Seok-youl, and Hong Joon-pyo (in alphabetical order).

Former Chairman Choi, who served as the Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman under the Moon Jae-in administration, gained attention for his principled stance criticizing the government's "nuclear phase-out policy." He joined the People Power Party on July 15, just 17 days after stepping down from the Board of Audit and Inspection, and at one point, his approval ratings reached double digits, emerging as a leading opposition presidential contender.

However, he often showed unpreparedness by saying things like "I don't know well" and "I will study more" regarding various issues, and eventually, after the primary intensified, his approval ratings declined. Former Chairman Choi failed to seize an opportunity to rebound in support and declared the disbandment of his campaign on the 14th of last month.

Immediately after the results were announced, former Chairman Choi stated on Facebook, "Thank you for your support so far," and added, "I will return to being an ordinary member and continue to work together until the regime change is achieved."

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