Lee Jeong-hyun "Running as an independent candidate in Seoul... I will face judgment against the most symbolic figure of this government"

Independent lawmaker Lee Jung-hyun. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Jung-hyun, an independent lawmaker and former leader of the Saenuri Party, said on the 13th, "I will run in Seoul as an independent candidate and face voters' judgment under the most difficult conditions and circumstances."

On the same day, on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Lee stated, "(If the voters say) 'You can't, take a rest,' I will rest cleanly. Not just rest, but leave cleanly."

Lee, who was elected as a Saenuri Party candidate in Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do, in the 20th general election, announced that he will move his constituency to Seoul for the April general election and retire from politics if he loses.

He said, "I have not declared that I will not run. Politicians must always engage in politics through elections. I have been in politics all my life, and politics is my work," adding, "I have no conscience to run as a new political force."

Lee said, "There is a place I have in mind, but since the opponents are not set up yet, I cannot say where I will go," emphasizing, "I will choose a place that people see as difficult and challenging."

He continued, "I want to choose the most difficult region, the toughest opponent, and the most symbolic figure and area to judge this government, to properly express my position to the people and be judged."

Regarding the conservative unification centered on the Korean Party and the New Conservative Party, Lee said, "I have never seen a successful centrist reform," and added, "To be honest, the party created for reform is about 'I want to be president, so let's unite around me.' It is neither reform nor centrist; it is just wordplay and will surely fail as it has in the past."

Regarding the three principles for conservative reconstruction (building a new house, overcoming impeachment, reform conservatism) proposed by Yoo Seung-min of the New Conservative Party, he said, "He (Representative Yoo) is a respectable person who has been in politics for a long time. He has his own thoughts," but added, "I have no intention to agree with his thoughts or to examine them deeply. He can do politics his way, and I have no intention to respond to his words one by one."

He continued, "Moving from party to party while setting three conditions, breaking parties wherever he goes, and making various promises with good words?when would I ever listen to such people?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.