Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty and Innovation Party, answers reporters' questions. [Photo=Yonhap News]

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty and Innovation Party, who officially announced his candidacy for the Pyeongtaek-B by-election on June 3rd, has revealed the reasons for his decision.

At the Supreme Council meeting on the 19th, Hwang stated his resolve to "stand on the front lines of a systemic war against the leftists who are driving South Korea towards ruin."

He also explained his choice of Pyeongtaek-B, saying, "As Pyeongtaek is a microcosm of South Korea and a core area for national security and industry, just as the nation has placed 'responsibilities' upon Pyeongtaek, politics must also take responsibility for Pyeongtaek."

The following is the full text of Hwang's remarks at the Liberty and Innovation Supreme Council meeting.

Resolve to Stand on the Front Lines of a Systemic War

A week ago, on January 12th, I informed the public of my decision to run in the Pyeongtaek-B by-election on June 3rd.

I stated my resolve to stand on the front lines of a systemic war, in order to re-establish a crumbling South Korea and to prevent the communization of our nation.

I expressed my determination to rectify the election system, which is riddled with illegality and circumvention, to fight against anti-national forces that are collapsing liberal democracy from within, and to rebuild the nation together with our youth.

Furthermore, I pledged to do my utmost to revitalize the stagnant domestic economy.

There are answers. I know because I have experienced it. Our new party, Liberty and Innovation, can achieve this.

Moreover, we will do our best to strengthen the ROK-US alliance and protect our security.

We will compete based on these five core policies.

South Korea is not functioning normally. We will firmly re-establish the standards and common sense for national governance so that South Korea can return to being a 'normal country.' Our Liberty and Innovation party must lead this effort.

Pyeongtaek-B... A Microcosm of South Korea and a Hub for National Security and Industry

Today, it is time to explain "Why Pyeongtaek-B?"

Many people ask, "Why Pyeongtaek-B specifically?"

I believe this question cuts to the heart of the essence of this election.

What kind of place is Pyeongtaek-B?

Firstly, Pyeongtaek-B is a microcosm of South Korea.

This is because Pyeongtaek-B encompasses rural areas, ports, industries, livelihoods, security, and national strategies.

Therefore, Pyeongtaek is South Korea.

Secondly, Pyeongtaek-B is a core region for national security and industry.

Most importantly, the Pyeongtaek-B region is the front line of national security. Camp Humphreys, a US military base, is located here. Camp Humphreys serves as the pivot for US forces currently stationed on the Korean Peninsula.

Furthermore, Pyeongtaek-B is a concentrated area for national strategic industries. It has been designated as a national strategic industrial complex and a Gyeonggi Free Economic Zone. Specifically,

△ The semiconductor industry, with Samsung Electronics' semiconductor plant located here, and the establishment of advanced semiconductor production and research infrastructure.

△ Active promotion of future-oriented automotive businesses such as the hydrogen industry, future mobility, electric vehicles, and hydrogen vehicles.

△ The secondary battery industry is in progress.

△ Smart manufacturing and smart automotive businesses are underway, including smart factories and production automation projects.

△ Industries linked to logistics and advanced manufacturing are being developed in conjunction with Pyeongtaek Port and the West Coast logistics infrastructure.

We must compete here.

Thirdly, Pyeongtaek bears the heaviest burden in South Korea. Additionally, it shoulders the burden of metropolitan area expansion.

However, Pyeongtaek has not received the recognition commensurate with its weight in the political sphere.

Pyeongtaek must now become a forward base for rebuilding South Korea.

I will lead the way.

I have worked at the very center of national governance as acting president, Prime Minister, and Minister of Justice.

From that experience, I see Pyeongtaek-B not merely as a single district.

It is a region to which the nation relies most heavily and from which it most readily demands sacrifice.

I believe that politics must take responsibility for Pyeongtaek to the same extent that the nation has placed 'responsibilities' upon Pyeongtaek.

Candidacy in Pyeongtaek-B... To Bear the Heaviest Responsibility in the Toughest Area

This local election and by-election must be a choice that corrects the balance of national governance.

Therefore, the new party, Liberty and Innovation, is fielding candidates for local elections nationwide.

Together with them, we will show the public what newness is.

I am running in Pyeongtaek-B.

It is to bear the heaviest responsibility in the toughest area.

This Pyeongtaek-B National Assembly by-election will not be an election to choose new faces, but an election to decide whether to reuse or discard our national experience.

I will pour my national governance experience into Pyeongtaek. I will take on that responsibility.

I will do my utmost to make Pyeongtaek a gateway of blessings for South Korea.

I am not someone who works with words.

I am someone who works with actions.

Immediately after I declared my candidacy, there was a court ruling on President Yoon. This was the first ruling, sentencing him to 5 years in prison.

There are several trials remaining, and the sentences will likely increase. The former president is being harassed through trials.

The country is not normal. We must protect the president we elected.

With a heavy heart, we will pool our strength to set the country right.

By Reporter Park Hye-soo