Message Encouraging Voting via Text... Opposition Claims Repeated Use of 'Democracy' Word Is Election Interference vs Ruling Party Calls It Absurd

President Moon: "Our democracy will last forever"
Opposition: "Repeating words that remind of the Democratic Party... blatant election interference"
Ruling party: "Yoon should start by controlling his 'liberal democracy' remarks"

President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook are voting at the early voting station for the 20th presidential election set up at the Samcheong-dong Community Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 4th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] The People Power Party claimed that President Moon Jae-in's mention of the word "Minju" (Democratic) three times in his early voting encouragement message was a "blatant interference in the presidential election." In response, the Democratic Party countered, "The word 'Gukmin' (People) is also included; does that mean he supports the People Power Party?"

The spokesperson office of the People Power Party's election countermeasures headquarters issued a statement that day, saying to President Moon, "He repeated the word associated with the Democratic Party three times, taking the lead in blatant interference in the presidential election," and "Is it not enough to have so many local visits, attacks on the opposition led by Blue House aides, historical distortion, and sowing division?"

They continued, "However much this administration struggles until the end, it cannot stop the fierce wave of angry public sentiment. Look at the long lines at the early voting stations now," emphasizing, "The judgment on the Moon Jae-in administration, which destroyed democracy without remorse, the Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, and the Democratic Party has already begun."

Earlier, President Moon said on his Facebook, "Early voting for the 20th presidential election begins today. As sovereigns of a democratic republic, I hope all citizens participate in exercising their sacred voting rights." He added, "Voting can create better politics, a better life, and more democracy," encouraging participation by saying, "Our democracy will be eternal."

Photo by Moon Jae-in, President, Facebook screen capture.

In response, the Democratic Party expressed disbelief. Park Chan-dae, senior spokesperson of the Democratic Party's election headquarters, said in a briefing, "President Moon's message also includes expressions like 'all citizens' and 'the people are the masters of politics,'" and asked, "The word 'Gukmin' (People) appears twice as well; does that mean he supports the People Power Party?"

He added, "Why is the People Power Party being so unreasonable? Are they thoughtless?" and said, "Before picking fights over the president's message, the People Power Party should properly regulate the frequent mentions of freedom and 'democracy' by their presidential candidate Yoon Seok-youl during campaigns."

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