Yoon Suk-yeol: "Respected Figure Churchill... If Family Investigation Is Avoided, I Cannot Exist Myself"

Kim Geon-hee's 7-Hour Call 'Inappropriate'
More Beneficial to Have a Rival Debate

"Democratic Control Needed Over Elected Power"
Abuse of Personnel Authority Leads to Abuse of Power

Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is announcing his political pledges at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 27th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, named British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as a person he respects on the 22nd. Regarding investigations involving his mother-in-law and spouse, he said, "If someone has done wrong, they should be punished," adding, "The principle should be applied equally to everyone."

On the same day, Yoon appeared on SBS's 'Jo Young-jin's News Briefing' and explained why he respects Winston Churchill: "Not only in the UK but also globally, during difficult times, there were many political demands to compromise with the Nazis. However, Churchill persuaded the people and, with a firm vision, overcame hardships together with the citizens, restoring the free democratic order that was on the verge of collapse."

His motto is "Work joyfully and live happily." When asked by the host if this motto would be difficult to uphold as a presidential candidate, he replied, "Working joyfully maximizes efficiency and helps focus on the work. After finishing work, living happily removes other selfish desires," adding, "If you think only about enjoying work and having fun with colleagues and family, without ambitions like a desire for promotion, I believe no problems will arise."

When asked if the investigation of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk was one of the reasons he entered politics, he said, "My decision to enter politics is unrelated to the investigation or oppression of my wife," and added, "Even after being thoroughly investigated for two years, nothing significant has been found so far. If someone has done wrong, they should be punished. If you enter politics, you will be attacked. This has nothing to do with family or personal matters."

He continued, "Whether it is my wife or mother-in-law, I have never compromised on corruption committed in positions of responsibility or incidents occurring around those in power," and questioned, "Shouldn't the principle be applied equally to everyone? If I were to avoid this, wouldn't that mean I cannot exist myself?"

Regarding the 7-hour phone call recordings of his spouse Kim Geon-hee, he said, "I think the long phone call was somewhat inappropriate," but also criticized, "The fact that a public broadcaster reported it was inappropriate in terms of broadcasting ethics and responsibility."

On prosecutorial reform, he stated that the owners of the prosecution are the people, not those in power or personnel authorities, and said, "I think it is wrong for political power to give orders to the prosecution on how to handle cases." However, he added that education on human rights awareness and the role of the prosecution within the prosecutorial organization is continuously necessary.

Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is announcing his political pledges at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 27th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Instead, he emphasized the need for democratic control over elected power. Yoon said, "According to the principle of popular sovereignty, elected power exercises personnel authority over appointed power to ensure democratic control," adding, "If democratic control interferes with independent and neutral institutions and abuses its personnel authority because those institutions do not properly follow instructions, that is not democratic control but an abuse of power and a very serious misconduct."

As qualities of a leader, he cited sacrifice, dedication, and a spirit of service. Yoon said, "Someone who does not have these firmly cannot basically be a leader," and added, "A leader must have ability, but that ability is not to do everything alone; it is about having direction, vision, and insight on how to lead."

Regarding debate issues, he said, "Although it is a short time with just two people, a 40-minute head-to-head debate highlights differences between the opponents," and responded, "I still believe that head-to-head debates are a more useful format because they emphasize differences and allow candidates to properly explain their positions to the public."

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