Yoo Seung-min "Expecting 300,000 New Party Members... We Have to Open the Lid to Know the Primary"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Yoo Seung-min, a former lawmaker and presidential candidate from the People Power Party, expressed regret that the presidential primary has shifted more towards negative exchanges rather than policy debates. Yoo stated his determination to lead necessary reforms, even if they are less attractive than populist pledges. Regarding the presidential primary, he showed hope for a dramatic comeback.

On the 3rd, Yoo appeared on MBC Radio’s Kim Jong-bae’s Focus and said, "When I decided to run in this presidential election, I resolved not to make sweet promises," adding, "If you look at my pledges, for example, reforming the national pension system and labor reforms?these are all very painful burdens but essential promises for the country."

He said, "Having been in politics for a long time, I know people want bold policies," and criticized, "Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, promises universal benefits like basic income and basic housing, but these are just sugar lumps and ultimately harmful to the national economy." He acknowledged the appeal of bold and sugary pledges but intends to compete by presenting necessary policy pledges.

However, regarding the lack of focus on these policy issues, he pointed out, "I think the media is more interested in negative attacks or moral verification than in policies."

About the presidential primary, which is now nearing its final stage, he expressed hope, saying, "The hearts of the 300,000 new party members who recently joined the party seem important," and "I am counting on them." He added, "I have caught up a lot with public sentiment and think I can overtake the leading candidates by now," but noted, "The weak point is the party members’ votes, so we will have to see how much support I can get when the results come out."

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