Nine DP candidates attend press day event for presidential primary

Jul 02, 2021, 08:48 am

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Nine candidates of the ruling Democratic Party for the primary pose for a commemorative photograph during a press day event held at the Glad Hotel on Yeouido, Seoul, on July 1, 2021. (From left) Former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, Rep. Lee Kwang-jae, Gyeonggi Gov. Lee Jae-myung, former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, Rep. Park Yong-jin, South Chungcheong Gov. Yang Seung-jo, Gangwon Gov. Choi Moon-soon, and Rep. Kim Doo-kwan./ Photographed by Lee Byung-hwa

AsiaToday reporter Jeong Geum-min

The nine presidential contenders of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) gathered for the first time at an official press day event where they pledged a fair competition and answered questions regarding their policy promises. During the event, Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung, the front-runner among the nine contenders, drew attention by being quavered when he was talking about his family. One of the contenders handed out local specialties to other candidates, garnering attention.

Regarding the moral issues involving his alleged harsh treatment of his sister-in-law, Gov. Lee apologized, saying, “I ask for the people’s forgiveness for my shortcomings.” He told reporters that he was concerned that negative issues such as privacy issues could heat up if the ruling party’s primary is overheated.

“It is true that I used abusive language against my family. If I go back to those days, I will try not to do it, but I honestly don’t know what to do,” Gov. Lee said.

The Gyeonggi Province Governor closed his eyes for a moment, and said in a trembling voice, “My mother had devoted her whole life to her seven children. My older brother, who was not mentally healthy, verbally abused her and threatened her saying he would set on fire. He even assaulted my mother, and it was difficult for me to bear it.”

“At that time, I was determined to quit my position, but a decade has passed. I have matured a lot in the meantime,” Gov. Lee said. “Since both my mother and older brother have passed away, such horrible thing will never happen anymore.”

Gangwon Province Gov. Choi Moon-soon, who introduced himself as the “potato sold-out man,” gave out potatoes with nicknames to the candidates and prayed for their victory. Choi gave former justice minister Choo Mi-ae a potato nicknamed “precious,” while giving a “future potato” to lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae. Choi gave a “straightforward potato” to Gov. Lee, a “smile potato” to former prime minister Chung Sye-kyun, and a “gentleman potato” to former DP leader Lee Nak-yon.

In addition, former justice minister Choo Mi-ae drew attention by appearing at the event wearing a blue suit jacket and pants symbolizing the ruling party, in contrast with the black suit jackets of the other eight runners.

#Democratic Party #primary #Lee Jae-myung #Choi Moon-soon