Song Young-gil on the 'Lee Nak-yeon Endorsement Theory': "Even if dragged to the riverbank, the horse must drink for the water to be consumed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Song Young-gil, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who announced his intention to run for Seoul mayor in the upcoming June local elections, commented on June 14 regarding the proposal to endorse former leader Lee Nak-yeon as the Seoul mayor candidate, saying, "(If former leader Lee runs) I think it is a very good thing. Many people can unify through the primary election."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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On the same day, Song appeared on MBC News Outside and said, "It is important to increase the possibility of the Democratic Party's victory by having many people participate and compete fiercely in the primary election."

However, he added, "An election is something that requires the candidate to have a clear will and make a decision," and said, "You can lead a horse to the river, but you cannot make it drink. The horse has to eat to drink."

He continued, "How can we become one team without a primary election?" and said, "If there is healthy competition, naturally support will rise, and once the candidate is decided, it will be a close race. There is no sharp solution by avoiding the primary and looking outside while time is running out."

Regarding voices within the party calling for finding a third candidate besides the six candidates who have declared their intention to run for Seoul mayor from the Democratic Party, he expressed skepticism, saying, "Bringing in someone else by endorsement? How can strength be gathered without a primary?"

He also expressed some disappointment toward criticism within the party, saying, "Am I not a groundbreaking new face? I did not just come out on my own; there were numerous requests from party members. I could not refuse such requests," and added, "I am giving up my current term as a member of the National Assembly and running in a difficult election, which requires special sacrifice and determination."

Song emphasized, "The moment I am finally confirmed as the Seoul mayor candidate, I believe the gap with Mayor Oh Se-hoon will narrow to within 5%," and said, "This Sunday (the 17th), I will announce my candidacy and simultaneously present a concrete practical plan. I will show that the class is different."

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