Yoo Seong-min launches presidential bid
Rep. Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party waves to supporters while announcing his presidential bid at the National Assembly, Thursday. / Yonhap
By Kim Hyo-jin
Rep. Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party declared his bid for Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday, pledging to restore social justice and overcome economic and security crises.
“I will become a president who will revive the economy and strengthen national security, and establish a virtuous democratic republic,” he said during a press conference at the National Assembly.
Yoo, a four-term lawmaker, stressed that he will root out corruption in public bodies including the prosecution, the police and the National Intelligence Service as part of such efforts.
He added that he will fight against collusive links between politicians and private companies, mindful of the country’s unprecedented corruption scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil.
Noting his economic expertise, Yoo pledged to prioritize reviving the slumping economy.
“I will increase job numbers and create a level playing field for business startups and small- and mid-sized companies by containing failing or power-wielding conglomerates,” the former economist at the state-run Korea Development Institute said.
Yoo said he will boost defense capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear provocations by deploying a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery here.
He also underlined the Korea-U.S. alliance, saying, “It is a cornerstone of our security. I will tighten the alliance with the U.S. while dealing with security issues based on mutual trust.”
It was the newly formed party’s second presidential bid, following Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil on Wednesday. They will compete in a party primary.
A total of 31 lawmakers officially launched the new conservative party, Tuesday, after departing from the ruling Saenuri Party. Rep. Hong Chul-ho of the Saenuri Party joined the party later in the day, increasing the number of assembly members to 32.