Shin Ji-ye: "I think supporting Yoon was the right choice... The remark on 'freedom for the extreme poor' is correct"

"Considering the context, it makes sense... I thought it was reasonable"

Shin Ji-ye, Senior Vice Chairman of the People Power Party New Era Committee. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Shin Ji-ye, Senior Vice Chairperson of the People Power Party's New Era Committee, commented on the so-called 'extreme poverty freedom remarks controversy' made by Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, saying, "Considering the context, it is a correct statement," and added, "For the first time, I thought it was good to support him."

In an interview with KBS on the 23rd, Vice Chairperson Shin stated, "Just looking at the article's headline, it is naturally infuriating. However, after reading the content, I sincerely thought it was the first time I decided to support him and felt it was the right choice."

Vice Chairperson Shin said, "The candidate has not been a politician for long and struggles to explain well, but after seeing the explanation that followed, I thought it was more rational than expected," adding, "It is not that poor people should be ignored because they do not know freedom, but rather that economic inequality prevents individuals from pursuing freedom, so the government must strive for equality."

Regarding her reason for supporting Candidate Yoon, she said, "I cannot tell Yoon to 'become a feminist.' However, without being asked, the candidate first said, 'The state must protect against violence against women and safety issues.' I also received a direct promise that he would not lose his initial resolve," and added, "Even if I do not agree with all of Yoon's policies, I believe my role is necessary in this election if it can stop the Democratic Party's course and help conservatism become a healthy conservatism."

Vice Chairperson Shin then criticized the ruling party, saying, "How can we trust those who only promote progressivism during elections while passing the Serious Accident Punishment Act and the Stalking Punishment Act en masse and postponing the Anti-Discrimination Act? They must collapse for progressivism and conservatism to stand again."

She also commented on the differences between Candidate Lee and Candidate Yoon, stating, "Candidate Lee Jae-myung is very good at wearing masks. On the other hand, Candidate Yoon's problem is that he is too unpretentious." She added, "It is up to the people to judge whether South Korea needs a president who is good at wearing masks or someone who speaks honestly and truthfully, but the candidate's remarks about protecting freedom and human rights resonated the most."

Finally, she said, "I poured everything out with a bleeding heart in the third zone, but it did not go well, and I thought this path (joining the People Power Party) was better than doing nothing," adding, "If I perform well here, I believe even those who criticized me will later understand why I made such a choice."

Meanwhile, on the 22nd, Candidate Yoon visited Jeonbuk National University and said, "The essence of freedom is that there must be a certain level of education and economic capability for freedom to exist," adding, "People living in extreme poverty and those who have not been educated do not know what freedom is, nor do they feel the necessity of freedom for individuals." This remark drew criticism as being derogatory toward people with low income and education levels.

As the controversy grew, Candidate Yoon met with reporters after the event and explained, "I am not belittling those people; it means we need to help them. If life is hard, they cannot feel such things. If life is too difficult, can they feel freedom?" He continued, "Freedom is something that both poor people and those who have not studied try to feel in solidarity, so we must ensure economic conditions and provide education so they can appreciate the value of freedom."

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