[Presidential Interview] Lee Cheolwoo: "Liberal Right Must Unite in a Big Tent Alliance"

North Gyeongsang Governor Enters People Power Party Presidential Primary
"Possible to form a liberal right alliance excluding Lee Nakyon and Kim Bugyeom"
"Will build a world-class Korea with the spirit of Park Chunghee"

Lee Cheolwoo, the governor of North Gyeongsang Province and a presidential preliminary candidate of the People Power Party, emphasized the necessity of a "big tent" alliance of the liberal right in an interview with Asia Economy on April 19, as a strategy to confront former Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung. Governor Lee stated, "We need to do something new within the big tent of the liberal right," and argued, "Figures from the left, such as former Prime Ministers Lee Nakyon or Kim Bu-gyeom, should not be included."

This means that the presidential alliance should be prepared around those who are politically and ideologically compatible. Governor Lee shared that he spoke with Han Ducksoo, acting president and prime minister, on April 10, and relayed, "He said he would absolutely not run in the presidential election." However, Governor Lee still sees the possibility that Han might run. Governor Lee predicted, "He might decide to run if he feels the need to defeat former leader Lee and the Democratic Party."

Governor Lee also conveyed, "Acting President Han said, 'Governor Lee is the most suitable presidential candidate. He has many ideas, extensive experience, and strong drive.'"

Lee Cheolwoo, a presidential primary candidate of the People Power Party. Provided by Lee's campaign team

The following is a Q&A with Governor Lee Cheolwoo.

-What was the specific reason that made you decide to run for president?

▲I could not just stand by and watch the country in crisis, so I decided to run. Seeing the Democratic Party push for impeachment, I thought, 'The liberal democratic system of the Republic of Korea is under threat. Anti-state forces are spreading everywhere and could ruin the country.' The economy has completely collapsed. There are even many places along Teheran-ro looking to lease out their shops. Social conflicts are so severe that the country is on the brink of civil war. Someone like me is the right person to save the country from crisis. I worked at the National Intelligence Service and served as chairman of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee. As governor, I have dealt with the real economy. I also led the 'East-West Harmony Forum.'

-Why did you name your campaign team the 'Miracle Camp'?

▲To win against candidates who have run for president two, three, or even four times and are already 50 meters ahead in a 100-meter race, or against party leaders who have run multiple times, it would take a miracle. Even though I have served as chairman of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, party secretary-general, and supreme council member, my name is less known if I do not run in a national election. Moreover, since the party candidate is chosen through a 100% public primary, not by party members, I thought it would be difficult unless a miracle happens, so I named it 'Miracle Camp.'

-How do you assess the possibility of realizing the 'Anti-Lee Jaemyung Big Tent'?

▲If we continue to lose in the polls by a half-game margin, there will be an uprising. At that point, only the liberal right should unite. If left-leaning figures like former Prime Ministers Lee Nakyon or Kim Bu-gyeom join, it will only cause confusion and should not happen.

-You have put forward the slogan 'A New Park Chunghee.' What are your core pledges?

▲We must reinterpret former President Park Chunghee's Saemaul Undong as a 'National Happiness Movement.' Our country has the highest suicide rate and lowest birth rate in the world. The people must be happy and have hope. We must create an environment where young people want to get married. Furthermore, we must move beyond catching up in science and technology to creating new scientific and technological advances. It is also important to reinterpret Park's forestation project and shift it to forest management. Although 63% of our national territory is mountainous, these areas account for only 1% of total production. We should level all mountains under 100 meters to develop tourism resources such as smart farms and resorts.

-You said you would step down after a three-year term if elected president. What is your roadmap for state administration during those three years?

▲With the 'Park Chunghee spirit,' I will build a world-class Korea. Ultimately, it is about the economy. I am confident in both protecting the nation and ensuring prosperity. I will focus on constitutional reform, mountain development, and creating jobs for young people. In particular, if we develop the DMZ, stock prices could rise fivefold, making our people wealthy. The people will ask me to serve another term as president.

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