Yoon Seok-yeol: "1980s Democratization Movement Captivated by Foreign-Imported Ideologies"

"Unable to Join the Democratic Party, Forced to Choose the People Power Party"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, criticized the Moon Jae-in administration's personnel appointments, saying, "There are many who participated in the democratization movement in the 1980s, but that democratization movement was not truly based on the spirit of liberal democracy. Instead, some were captivated by ideologies imported from abroad and walked the same path as those who followed such ideologies."

On the 23rd, Yoon attended the launch ceremony of the Jeonnam election committee and stated, "Every time the government announces personnel appointments, just take a look. How can such people be in those positions?"

He added, "At that time, there was a common goal called the democratization movement, so it was somewhat accepted and understood. However, as civilian rule was established and democratization progressed in our country's politics, and society as a whole developed into a highly advanced society, the democratization movement actually became a huge obstacle and still is today."

Yoon said, "The biggest mistake of the Moon administration includes income-led growth, failure in COVID-19 quarantine, real estate and housing policies, among others, but the greatest sin was practicing 'divide-and-rule politics.' They divided the rich and the poor, Yeongnam and Honam regions, and even within Honam, Jeonbuk and Jeonnam, tearing the people apart and using them for their convenience."

Regarding the People Power Party, he said, "Because the People Power Party has not done well so far, our Honam people have not opened their hearts to the party or supported it. I fully understand that."

He then said, "I also must replace this administration, and since I cannot join the Democratic Party, I had no choice but to choose the People Power Party."

He continued, "I always argue that the People Power Party needs tremendous innovation to become a true ruling party supported by the people. To help with this innovation, many capable people from progressives, moderate progressives, Honam, women, and youth are joining us. If the People Power Party can gain support from Honam people, who have hardly supported us in the past, without dividing regions nationwide, I believe it will truly become a ruling party capable of making the people happy."

He added, "As the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, whether it is 10% or 15%, it is fine. If the People Power Party can open the hearts of Honam people, I am confident we will achieve a landslide victory in the nationwide election."

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