Park Ji-won "Oldboy? Anyway, I like hearing the word 'boy'"

Former NIS Director Park Ji-won, KBS Radio Interview
On Running for General Election: "The Role of a Catfish for the Democratic Party"

"I play the role of a catalyst for our Democratic Party in the political arena."

On the 9th, former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won shared his political role in an interview with KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs.' Park is preparing to run in the parliamentary election for the Jeonnam Haenam-Wando-Jindo district. Born in 1942, if elected in his district, Park could set a new record as the oldest elected district representative in Korean politics.

Regarding the candidacy of the elderly Park, there is talk inside and outside the Democratic Party about the "return of the old boys." This refers to the evaluation of former influential political figures preparing to return to the National Assembly through the April general election next year. In fact, several former multi-term lawmakers, including Park, are weighing their options to run in the election.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the so-called "old boy" label, Park said, "No matter what, being called a 'boy' feels really good."

Though he may be old in age, it means that his mindset is young and he is ready to play a political role.

Park said, "I have farmed. Therefore, I have the right to harvest, and although the party's nomination rules have not yet been announced, I will follow whatever the party decides."

He added, "Even now, I am more actively fighting against the opposition and speaking harsh truths within the Democratic Party than any incumbent member."

Park said, "We must fight more strongly against the Yoon Seok-yeol administration to overcome this crisis. That is what I believe. That is why I have farmed and am playing that role. I am proud of it."

Park said, "The greatest innovation for the Democratic Party is unity, becoming a strong Democratic Party that fights when it needs to. Therefore, I urge all Democratic Party members to read Kim Dae-jung's memoirs. Let us become like Kim Dae-jung. How did Kim Dae-jung overcome hardships and oppression to achieve victory? Our Democratic Party is in such a crisis now, but I believe that when September comes, a path will open. That is how I see it."

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