Jin Joong-kwon: "Song Young-gil's Decision Not to Run in the General Election Is Sudden and Lacks Sincerity... How Can We Trust It?"

"Ruling Party's Words Will Change as Election Approaches"
"I Don't Understand the 586 Retirement Theory... Could the Solution Be Misguided?"

Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon sharply criticized Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, for his declaration of 'not running in the next general election,' calling it "out of the blue." He pointed out that he does not understand the intention behind the party's '86 group (those born in the 1960s and who entered university in the 1980s)' retirement theory, including Song.

On the 25th, Jin appeared on CBS Radio's 'Hanpan Seungbu' and said, "I don't really understand why the 586 retirement theory suddenly came up. I feel that (Song's) solution is somewhat off track."

He continued, "The timing is also too late. If there was sincerity in words, this should have been done earlier," adding, "In the past, the Democratic Party said they would not field candidates in places where they caused problems, but when the election approached, they fielded candidates for Seoul mayor and Busan mayor. So the public knows that words will change as the election approaches."

He also pointed out, "In fact, there is no chance of winning, and they already hold 180 seats, so losing 3 seats doesn't change anything."

Jin also pointed out that the reason why the current Democratic presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung's approval rating is stuck in a box range lies with the candidate himself.

He said, "The current crisis is the candidate's own crisis," and added, "If the Democratic Party had true sincerity, this should have been done around last year. How can we believe this again? People feel deceived this time."

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party, is holding an emergency press conference at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 25th. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Song held a press conference the day before and abruptly declared he would not run in the general election. He emphasized, "The Democratic Party's reflection, change, and reform have been very insufficient to cover the people's anger, disappointment, and wounds," adding, "As seniors, it is now time for us to step out into the wilderness again."

He continued, "We must give up the vested interests of our own constituencies and open space so that young politicians can challenge and advance," adding, "Lee Jae-myung must become president for Korea to move forward properly. I will give up all vested interests starting with myself and become the catalyst for the birth of the 'Lee Jae-myung government.'"

In response to reporters' questions asking if this would end as a show with the presidential election just around the corner, he replied, "From the day I became party leader until now, I have consistently worked to remove the Democratic Party label and change everything," adding, "This statement comes from such consistent sincerity."

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