Woo Jaejun: "PPP Should Either Refrain from Nominating in Busan Buk-gap or Reinstate Han Donghoon for a Primary" [Current Affairs Show]

■ Broadcast: The Asia Business Daily's "So Jungsup's Current Affairs Show" (Mon-Fri, 4-5 PM)

■ Host: Political Specialist So Jungsup ■ Director: PD Lee Miri

■ Guest: Woo Jaejun, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party (April 14)

※ Please make sure to cite "So Jungsup's Current Affairs Show" when quoting this article.

So Jungsup: Hello, everyone. Welcome to "So Jungsup's Current Affairs Show." Today, we are joined by Woo Jaejun, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, for a discussion on various issues. Thank you for taking the time to be here, despite your busy schedule.

Woo Jaejun: Hello. Thank you for inviting me.

So Jungsup: I noticed the glasses badge on your chest. What does it represent?

Woo Jaejun: In my constituency, Buk-gu Gap in Daegu, there is a rather old industrial complex called the 3rd Industrial Complex. One of the specialized industries there is eyeglasses. About 85% of eyeglasses in Korea are produced in our region, Buk-gu Gap, Daegu. The rest are manufactured in areas slightly outside of this district, so in essence, nearly all eyeglasses are made in Buk-gu, Daegu. Recently, with the global spread of the Korean Wave, certain businesses have been growing along with Korea's elevated status. Among the items that have increased in value, I believe eyeglasses are one. I wear this glasses badge on my chest to promote the fact that the eyeglasses industry in Buk-gu, Daegu has the potential to expand worldwide.

So Jungsup: You are the youngest member of the People Power Party and the first person in their 30s from Daegu to become a lawmaker in 57 years. You must feel a certain sense of pressure.

Woo Jaejun: At first, I didn't know how to build relationships, what to call people, or how to connect with city and district council members in the region-everything was new. While respecting the existing order set by my seniors, it was also a challenge to show what new things I could bring and what role a young lawmaker should play. I think it was really difficult to strike a balance in these aspects, and I have spent a tough two years trying to do so.

Woo Jaejun, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, appeared on The Asia Business Daily's "So Jungsup's Current Affairs Show" on the 14th and was interviewed by political specialist So Jungsup.

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So Jungsup: There is currently a primary race for the People Power Party’s Daegu mayoral candidate. What kind of person do you think should become the Daegu mayor?

Woo Jaejun: The economy in Daegu is really in a slump. There is talk that Daegu is at the bottom in terms of GRDP, and it is the only city where the number of employment insurance subscribers has decreased.

That shows just how stagnant the Daegu economy is. I think it would be best if the next mayor is someone who can truly revitalize the local economy.

So Jungsup: Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-Kyum is running as the Democratic Party candidate and claims he will revive Daegu's economy. He criticizes the People Power Party, saying, "After all, the People Power Party has been elected, but nothing has been achieved." Isn't that the criticism being made?

Woo Jaejun: Regardless of any disappointment with the People Power Party, I don't think Kim Boo-Kyum is the right person to make that argument. He claims that, due to his relationship with the government, he can bring in key projects like the Daegu New Airport. But in fact, those major projects are things that the Lee Jae-myung administration had already committed to. Saying one candidate will deliver and another won't is a violation of President Lee Jae-myung's own campaign pledges, and constitutes election interference. That's not allowed. The Daegu New Airport project is already a government-approved initiative, and there is even legislation for it. Such national-level projects are supposed to proceed regardless. Now they are saying that if Kim Boo-Kyum is elected, the project will move forward. Can we trust that? I think they will just delay it until the next general election.

So let's look at things excluding those major projects. What can Kim Boo-Kyum actually do for Daegu's economy? He has been away from Daegu for a long time and doesn't really know the current situation here. I don't think he understands what kind of strategy is needed, what industries should be promoted, or what systems need to be put in place for Daegu's economic growth.

So Jungsup: Still, some people might think that if Kim Boo-Kyum, who is an important figure in the current ruling bloc, becomes mayor of Daegu, the city could improve or that a change is needed.

Woo Jaejun: I don't think the success or failure of local key projects depends solely on Kim Boo-Kyum's election. If people believe that, they'll just postpone things again until the general election. The Democratic Party, regardless, has a duty to pursue various major projects themselves. They shouldn't treat citizens as if they are doing them a favor by saying "if you vote for our candidate, we'll deliver; if not, we won't." Promises made should be kept.

On the 14th, Woo Jaejun, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, who appeared on "So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show," said, "If the vote is held tomorrow, candidate Kim Bu-gyeom is likely to win, but there is still a lot of time left."

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On a different note, I think the reason Daegu citizens are even bringing up Kim Boo-Kyum as a candidate is due to disappointment with the local political scene.It is true that we have caused much political disappointment. Since the impeachment during the martial law period, we've seen divisions and, regardless of the outcome or who was at fault, we have certainly failed to present satisfactory results to citizens. We must deeply reflect on this and show accountability. Secondly, the economy in Daegu is severely depressed, and there is a lot of dissatisfaction among citizens. On this front as well, we must show genuine reflection and responsibility. I think it is regrettable that this has not been sufficiently demonstrated so far. I feel truly sorry and personally feel a great sense of responsibility. I believe the local political circle should show this kind of attitude as well.

So Jungsup: How would you evaluate the current public sentiment in Daegu?

Woo Jaejun: Honestly, if the election were tomorrow, I think there is a high chance we would lose. Kim Boo-Kyum is very likely to become Daegu mayor.

But there is still a lot of time left-about 50 days. There has been a lot of confusion, even from the nomination stage, but I expect that things will gradually be sorted out. With a renewed mindset and a humble attitude of serving the citizens, I think the situation could improve.

Looking nationwide, I feel the Democratic Party is overly confident in their victory. Because they are so sure of themselves, they seem rather complacent in responding to various issues. For example, the Cancun incident involving Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Won-ho, or the Unification Church scandal involving Busan mayoral candidate Jeon Jae-soo. I wonder if they would have responded the same way if they were truly desperate to win the election. There are also recent moves to drop charges in North Korea remittance cases. I doubt they would act like this if they were truly committed. Such arrogance, I believe, could be perceived by the public in a different light. In the remaining 50 days, if we approach the election with a much greater sense of urgency and the Democratic Party continues to act this way, the outcome could change at any time.

So Jungsup: What do you think is a necessary precondition for genuine change within your party?

Woo Jaejun: I think it's about truly recognizing the gravity of the situation. While indicators suggest that we could lose the Daegu mayoralty, it takes time for that reality to really sink in. Once that sense of crisis fully sets in, it will translate into greater urgency, and voices for change will emerge. At that point, the situation could be reversed.

So Jungsup: What are your thoughts on party leader Jang Dong-hyuk? Do you believe he should step down?

Woo Jaejun, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on April 2. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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Woo Jaejun: I don't agree that he should resign. From what I have seen, he has worked hard and, in some respects, has been criticized too harshly. However, the most regrettable aspect is that our party suffered many internal wounds and divisions as a result of the martial law impeachment crisis. In such a situation, he should have demonstrated more unifying leadership. Instead, figures like Han Dong-hoon, who symbolized support for impeachment, were effectively expelled, and several others were disciplined. Eventually, the courts intervened to halt this process. I feel that this led to even greater division within the party, rather than healing internal conflicts.

As a result, it became more difficult to unite the party and to navigate through the turbulent waters of martial law and impeachment. In that sense, I believe his leadership was somewhat lacking. As for why I oppose Jang Dong-hyuk’s resignation, it's because if he were to step down, it would cause pain to his supporters. I believe that in order for our party to move towards greater unity, everyone must make an effort. From that perspective, I do not think calls for the current leadership to resign are appropriate at this time.

So Jungsup: President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating has remained in the 60% range for five consecutive weeks. Why do you think that is?

Woo Jaejun: First, I think there is a sense of administrative competence. He has experience as governor of Gyeonggi Province and as mayor of Seongnam, which has had some impact. Second, I believe external factors play a major role. There is a global boom in the semiconductor sector, which is boosting stock values and the KOSPI index, making it appear as though the government is performing well. The recent amendment to the Commercial Act, and other short-term results, have also drawn attention. These short-term achievements have provided satisfaction and led to higher approval ratings.

Ultimately, I think it is also linked to disappointment with our own party. The martial law crisis was fundamentally wrong. Furthermore, we have not yet properly moved past the challenges of martial law. It took too long for us to admit that martial law was a mistake, and even until recently, there were still people chanting for President Yoon Suk-yeol. That process took a very long time. Because there is such deep disappointment with our party, President Lee Jae-myung is being evaluated more positively by comparison. There are multiple factors at play.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the 1st plenary meeting of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee held at the Blue House on the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News

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So Jungsup: What do you think is President Lee Jae-myung's greatest failing?

Woo Jaejun: It's judicial control. The prosecution was dissolved and split into a Prosecution Office and an Investigation Office, and a new "judicial distortion" crime was created, meaning judges can now be punished for perceived wrongdoing. The number of Supreme Court justices was almost doubled, so that all of them can be appointed during the Lee Jae-myung administration. I believe these actions seriously undermine the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers in our country. Rather than engaging in a deep discussion about how our judicial system should function, I believe President Lee is damaging the system for his own legal benefit.

The North Korea remittance case is currently a major issue, and there is controversy about dropping charges. President Lee never actually says he does not want charges dropped. He gave up appeals in the Daejang-dong case, making it impossible to recover trillions of won in forfeiture. The Ministry of Justice also effectively condoned the abandonment of appeals. This was almost a direct order. I believe this essentially benefited individuals who could be considered his accomplices. Actions like these are undermining our entire judicial system. This is the most serious issue in my view.

So Jungsup: Do you think the charges will be dropped?

Woo Jaejun: I think the intent is obvious. It is not normal for more than 100 Democratic Party lawmakers to form a group advocating for dropping charges. If there were no intention to do so, they should clearly state their position. It's easy to send a clear signal. Just make a statement about the charge dismissal issue. Judicial independence is important. A single comment would suffice. But he never does, which I believe tacitly signals acceptance, or even a desire, for such an outcome.

So Jungsup: Have you met with former leader Han Dong-hoon recently?

Woo Jaejun: It's been a while since we met, but we do occasionally speak by phone.

So Jungsup: When did you first hear about Han Dong-hoon's de facto declaration to run in Buk-gu Gap, Busan?

Woo Jaejun: I had been hearing about it for a while. He has a genuine affection for Busan. During the last presidential election, he even mentioned that it might be good to pursue politics in Busan someday. He served as a prosecutor in Busan, and as a baseball fan, he often talked about the Lotte Giants. I think he has a good rapport with the people of Busan.

So Jungsup: What do you think motivated Han Dong-hoon's decision to run in Busan?

Woo Jaejun: First, I think his affection for Busan played a significant role. Second, I believe Han Dong-hoon still cares about the People Power Party. Rather than taking a seat from within the party, his focus seems to be on reclaiming a seat from the Democratic Party. The seat is currently held by Jeon Jae-soo, so by winning there, the People Power Party would increase its representation. Also, by running in Buk-gu Gap, he could have a positive impact on the overall election in Busan, potentially contributing to the party's overall victory. I believe these factors were all considered in his decision.

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon visited the Mandeok 2-dong Administrative Welfare Center in Buk-gu, Busan on the afternoon of the 14th, completed his relocation registration, and took photos with residents. Photo by Yonhap News

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So Jungsup: Assemblyman Kim Do-eup has argued that the People Power Party should not field a candidate in Buk-gu Gap, while Assemblyman Joo Jinwoo insists that a candidate should be nominated. There seems to be a split within the party.

Woo Jaejun: The best approach would be for Han Dong-hoon to become the party’s candidate. I think the most effective strategy would be to lift his disciplinary action and nominate him, or alternatively, to hold a primary. In principle, a political party should field a candidate. However, when you look at the reality, it is hard to claim that Han Dong-hoon is truly an outsider to the People Power Party. I think we need to consider ways to unite, even now. Not nominating a candidate can also be a form of cooperation.

Another option would be to restore his party membership and then have him compete in a legitimate primary.In any case, we need to work together to win. I regret that some within the party who insist on nominating a candidate seem more interested in keeping Han Dong-hoon out than in winning.

So Jungsup: What do you think about the scenario where, in a three-way race, the People Power Party candidate and Han Dong-hoon eventually consolidate their candidacies?

Woo Jaejun: I think that is possible. As long as we can unite to focus on winning, any approach is acceptable.

So Jungsup: If Han Dong-hoon runs, would you support him?

On the 14th, Woo Jae-jun, a senior member who appeared on "So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show," said, "The public will restore Han Dong-hoon's honor."

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Woo Jaejun: I am a Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party. I have my role and position, so no matter what I personally wish for, I must act according to principles. If the People Power Party nominates a candidate, then formally, I believe I should support our party’s candidate.

So Jungsup: Do you think Han Dong-hoon will be elected?

Woo Jaejun: I think he will be.

So Jungsup: Is that just a hope or guess, or is it based on your own analysis?

Woo Jaejun: One of my core beliefs as a politician is to trust the people.The public always walks the right path and is truly good-hearted. I believe that our citizens are wise and know exactly when to support the right person. I think Han Dong-hoon was expelled from our party primarily because he supported impeachment, and many people know that he was the one who blocked martial law. I believe many citizens are sympathetic to this and will feel that some measure of honor should be restored to Han Dong-hoon.

So Jungsup: So your hope is that he will return to the National Assembly and practice politics of unity.

※Click the video to watch the full interview.

Woo Jaejun: Absolutely. There are many critics of Jang Dong-hyuk, but I still believe he is an excellent talent for our party. Even though Han Dong-hoon is currently outside the party, I hope we can join forces if he returns.

So Jungsup: Jo Kuk has declared his candidacy in Pyeongtaek-e. What is your assessment of this?

Woo Jaejun: Jo Kuk has always said he would only run in a district that cannot be won without him, but I don't think Pyeongtaek fits that description. Among my peers, there is a consistent view that while he talks a good game, his actions rarely match his words. He's often called the symbol of hypocrisy and double standards.In the end, I believe he is simply running in a place where his side is already likely to win.

So Jungsup: Thank you. That was Woo Jaejun, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party.

Woo Jaejun: Thank you.

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