Park Young-sun "Lee Jae-myung Should Introduce Open Primary"

KBS Radio Appearance, Advocating for a Complete National Primary System

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun argued that if Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, relinquishes the nomination rights, he could escape the so-called 'general election risk,' and called for the introduction of an open primary system (complete national primary).

On the 13th, on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs,' former Minister Park said, "The way to eliminate the general election risk is very simple. Like in the United States, the nomination rights should be exercised by the people."

The open primary system is a system that expands the right to select candidates in party primaries from party members to the general public. It is gaining attention as an alternative that can resolve problems inherent in the existing top-down nomination system, but it also has drawbacks, such as raising entry barriers for lesser-known political newcomers.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

It became known domestically when former lawmaker Na Kyung-won advocated reforming the party through open primaries ahead of the 2012 general election, and in 2015, ahead of the 2016 general election, Kim Moo-sung, then leader of the Saenuri Party, also advocated for the introduction of the system.

Former Minister Park explained, "History proves that whenever the president or party leader arbitrarily wields nomination rights, that nomination inevitably fails." She added, "Originally, the president was involved in nominations, but President Roh Moo-hyun broke this chain. However, it was restored under Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye. That is why the pro-Park faction turmoil occurred."

She predicted that the party returning nomination rights to the people would win the upcoming 2024 general election. She gave two reasons for advocating the open primary system. Former Minister Park said, "First, the path to entering politics must become transparent. I believe this is a very important step toward political advancement," and "Second, if the people hold the nomination rights, fair competition will take place, and the party and political sphere will gain competitiveness, attracting talented individuals."

She continued, "So far, a significant portion of the nominations for National Assembly general elections have not been conducted under fair standards," adding, "Holding party leadership means factional politics and lining up supporters. That is why there is such chaos over who holds party leadership."

The host asked, "If the Democratic Party declares the introduction of the open primary, will Lee Jae-myung continue to hold the party leadership despite judicial risks?" Former Minister Park responded, "Whether he holds the party leadership or not is not a matter to discuss here now," but added, "If Lee Jae-myung makes such a declaration in advance, it would actually give him much more strength."

Former Minister Park said, "Lee Jae-myung equals transparent nomination. This equation holds," and added, "People often say to empty your mind in difficult times, to put down what you are holding. The logic of 'death if you fight, life if you yield' applies."

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