Song Young-gil: "Is There Anyone Free from Responsibility for Presidential Election Defeat... We Must Fight with All Our Strength"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Song Young-gil, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and candidate for the Seoul mayoral election, responded to critical voices within the party regarding his candidacy by saying, "Shouldn't we devote all our efforts and time to finding a candidate (who can ensure the Democratic Party's victory)?"

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the 10th, Song stated, "I understand those who express both support and opposition toward me, but with about 50 days left until the election, I believe it is important to do our best to select a candidate, create a competitive candidate, and properly compete against Mayor Oh Se-hoon, while providing a protective shield so that the 25 district mayors, city councilors, and district councilors can be elected under the Democratic Party's banner."

Regarding the Democratic Party's defeat in the recent presidential election, he said, "I did my best in my own way, but I immediately took responsibility for the defeat and resigned," adding, "It is a clear fact that as party leader, I must take responsibility."

However, he also countered, "But is there anyone who is free from that responsibility now? Aren't we all joint election committee chairs? The people currently leading the party are no different," Song said. He added, "The local elections are approaching, and we must gather all our capabilities to fight. Is avoiding this fight and sitting in the countryside taking responsibility, or is facing it head-on taking responsibility? If we had won the presidential election, would I have run for Seoul mayor?"

He also emphasized, "I previously announced my candidacy for the next general election," and said, "I gave up my two-year term as an incumbent lawmaker and the opportunity to become the Speaker of the National Assembly to run."

He explained that during his break after the presidential election, he received many calls from party lawmakers and members urging him to run. Song said, "Lawmakers Lee Su-jin, Lee Yong-bin, Kim Nam-guk, and Jeon Yong-gi even visited Tongdosa Temple to request my decision to run," adding, "What moved me even more was seeing about 3,000 young party members deposit 24.24 million won in support funds, which made me deeply feel a sense of responsibility."

He continued, "According to the Democratic Party's constitution and regulations, the primary election is decided by 50% party member votes and 50% public opinion polls," and said, "The party members, who are the owners of the party, should make the decision. Some lawmakers should not force their opinions on party members."

Regarding the strategy to compete against Mayor Oh, the candidate from the People Power Party, he said, "A candidate who thoroughly reflects on and is willing to improve upon the Moon Jae-in administration is needed," and added, "We must present the Democratic Party's real estate solutions in opposition to Mayor Oh's real estate policies and those of President-elect Yoon Seok-youl."

He concluded, "Starting next week, I will begin official activities in earnest to prepare for the local elections," and said, "From next week, I will announce the ten major pledges one by one."

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