Song Young-gil: "Yoon Gives People a Sense of Humiliation... We Will Remain Humble Until the End"

"Yoon, Shouldn't He Become a Person Beyond Being President?"
"The Ruling Party Is Much More United Than the Opposition"

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the Seogwipo Five-Day Market on the afternoon of the 4th to appeal for support for candidate Lee Jae-myung. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Woo-seok] On the 7th, Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "(Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate) insults people," and added, "We (the Democratic Party) will remain humble until the end. We are focusing and rallying for the March 9 (main election)."

On the same day, appearing on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Song criticized Yoon, saying, "Putting politics aside, is he even a decent human being? Is it right as a human being to behave like this toward President Moon Jae-in, who appointed him as Prosecutor General? Beyond being president, shouldn't he be a decent person? This makes me angry," and added, "He is arrogant and goes without brakes. (That flaw) seems to be fully exposed."

Regarding the historically high early voting rate, he said, "While COVID-19 is partly a factor, the main reason is probably Ahn Cheol-soo's unification with Yoon Seok-yeol at dawn," and added, "I think there is a backlash. Lee Jun-seok interprets it the other way, but he interprets everything to his advantage, and it will become clear in two days."

He continued, "Both sides will rally for the main vote," but noted, "The rallying among supporters of candidate Lee Jae-myung is somewhat stronger. This is because, besides personal support for Lee Jae-myung, Yoon Seok-yeol's recent remarks have been too extreme."

Song said, "When criticizing the opponent, it should be based on facts, like 'I might criticize like that, it feels bad, but that's about it,' but they are outright saying they will destroy us," and added, "We fought for democracy and went to prison, but someone who was a prosecutor, who tried to pass the judicial exam, and who did not even serve in the military, does he have the right to bully us like this? Yesterday, while having a cup of tea with Representative Woo Sang-ho, I felt an incredible anger."

Regarding Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, claiming 30% support in the Honam region, Song said, "I am also aiming for over 40% in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) region. I think my statement is more realistic," and added, "Since candidate Lee Jae-myung is from Andong, Gyeongbuk, I am aiming for 30% in the TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) region, and I expect over 40% in Bu-Ul-Gyeong."

Regarding the final phase of the presidential race, he said, "It is going back and forth," and added, "I already hear talks of seat battles on their side (People Power Party). When Moon Jae-in lost in 2012, there were many talks of seat battles on our side as well. I absolutely did not allow such talks in our camp. We are much more focused and united for March 9."

On the 2030 female undecided voters, he said, "(Candidate Lee) has consistently expressed a firm commitment to protecting women's safety, and against Yoon Seok-yeol, who advocates abolishing the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, we have enriched the ministry's content, consistently addressing women's safety starting from single mothers, so opinions are gradually changing. The actual support has risen by more than 8%."

Regarding the controversy over poor management of early voting, he said, "I strongly warned and protested to the Secretary-General of the National Election Commission and requested thorough measures to prevent recurrence on March 9," and added, "I don't think the opposition party is claiming organized fraud, but there seem to be mistakes and lack of preparation. Even in Busan, where ballots marked for Yoon Seok-yeol were distributed, it doesn't seem to be an issue related to any specific candidate."

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