▲ From the left is Chyung Ho-joon of People 21, Lee Ji-soo of Theminjoo, Ji Sang-wuk of Saenuriparty.
/Photography from sportsseoul, sgilbo, newspost

   The Election Day is just around the corner. On April 5th, The Dongguk Media Center had an interview with the candidates who are running for the 4.13 20th General Eletion of the district Jung-gu, Seongdong-eul. Ji Sang-wuk of Saenuri Party, Lee Ji-soo of The Min Joo Party, and Chyung Ho-joon of People 21 Party were the interviewees. All three candidates emphasized the importance of young voters participating in this coming election. Also, they talked about the struggles university students are encountering and some were able to give specific blueprints of this issue.

Q. What are your own special strengths in this election?

Ji (Saenuri Party): I am solemnly engaging in this election with an attitude of fighting against facileness and laziness within me with a mind that the rival of Ji Sang-wuk is Ji Sang-wuk himself.

Lee (The Min Joo Party): I want to be an “economist” not a “politician.” What Korea really needs now is an economist who can sketch the future in a farsighted view. By continuing to be an economist as I was before, regardless of votes and politics, I will map out the real solution, though it may need long-term plans.

Chyung (People 21 Party): The present public institutions and local public enterprises are mandatorily employing three percent of the capacity every year. However, judging the severe state of youth unemployment, the improvement of employment quota led by the government is necessary. Therefore, I am presenting a revised plan for the law promoting employment rate of both private and government enterprises.

Q. What are your pledges that can resolve hardships of young generation?

Ji (Saenuri Party): To solve the problems of unemployment, I promise to create 30,000 jobs in Jung-gu and 26,000 jobs in Seongdong-eul. Also, I will arrange a method to help young people, women, and the elderly take priority over others in recruitment. Especially for young generation who are under 35 and had graduated university, I am planning to support them by enlarging the “Youth Hope Academy.”

Lee (The Min Joo Party): In terms of housing issues, to be honest, there are no clear answers for now. This is to be solved in a long term and the role of a politician in this matter is to actively mediate between students and the interested parties to come out with the resolution. On the other hand, about the problems of unemployment, I anticipate that a great deal of jobs will be created by the plan which is to generate small urban businesses. Active support will also be made in the business incubator center to help creative Donggkians.

Chyung (People 21 Party): University students have to pay the whole tuition fee if they get an F in a compulsory subject. This is a huge burden for students. To lighten this burden I made a pledge about a “Registration system by credit.” Likewise, I will make it possible for students to pay their tuition fee by credit card so that they could make a payment on the lay-by.

Q. What would you want to say to young voters?

Ji Sang-wuk (Saenuri Party): The general election on the 13th of April is an important election to vote a member of the National Assembly who can actualize new policies not by words, but by action and practice.  Plus, I would like to mention that nowadays, many young people are worrying about unemployment problems. So, I want to create a space for communication where I can listen to and empathize with their difficulties.

Lee Ji-soo (The Min Joo Party): One thing I must emphasize to students is that they must take part in solving social controversies such as social liberty and rights. From the older generation’s view, the modern university students do not contemplate in major issues but are busy with their own problems. They are the ones who have to lead and unravel the social issues and voting is one start to participate in unraveling the social controversies.

Chyung Ho-joon (People 21 Party): I feel sorry for current university students now, for they seem to chase the goal of employment instead of their dreams, and they are not to be blamed because the society has driven them that way. However, raising critical questions to the society is crucial and voting is one part of it. I know the government does not give much faith; however, giving up their votes will just worsen the corrupting situations. They should believe that their lives can change through participating in politics.

Im Chae-hyun, Cha Shin-hye  guina99@dongguk.edu

<저작권자 © 동국포스트, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>