'Joining Gonggwanwi' Lee Seok-yeon "Party, please step back"... Hwang Kyo-ahn "Will leave it to autonomy"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Former Legislation Office Chief Lee Seok-yeon, who joined the Liberty Korea Party’s Candidate Management Committee, publicly demanded that "the party, including the leader, step away from candidate selection duties." This was interpreted as a kind of declaration that no factional or personal pressure should be involved in the nomination process. Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn responded, "We will allow the Candidate Management Committee to handle matters autonomously."

On the morning of the 23rd, after receiving his appointment letter from Leader Hwang at the National Assembly, Lee expressed his thoughts and made the statement.

He explained his reasons for joining, saying, "After much consideration, I accepted. I confirmed several times the firm intention of Candidate Committee Chairman Kim Hyung-o. I left a final message by text saying, 'Please do not lose your original intention.'” He continued, "This administration, which operates targeting only specific support groups, is gradually corrupting the universal values of freedom and democratic basic order. As someone who has handled constitutional affairs for over 30 years, I felt a sense of urgency and decided to participate in this general election to contribute in any way I can."

Lee stated, "Regarding candidate selection duties, I ask the party, including the leader, to step away," and expressed his determination, "I will do my utmost to ensure a proper nomination that will move the people, putting everything on the line." He emphasized, "(I) have no interest in factions and do not even know who they are. Please devote all your efforts to principles, integrity, and ultimately to gaining the people's choice."

In response, Leader Hwang told reporters immediately after the appointment ceremony, "We will allow the Candidate Management Committee to handle matters autonomously." He had previously stated that he gave full authority to Chairman Kim. At the ceremony, Hwang said, "We have gathered the most suitable person. There will be considerable difficulties in the nomination process, and we may have to carry out difficult tasks on a personal level. I ask that the nomination be conducted strictly and fairly to avoid any noise during the process."

Chairman Kim responded, "As the leader said, we will all do our best to ensure a fair nomination," adding, "We will not yield to any noise or external pressure and will do our utmost with conscience."

What drew attention that day was the joining of Representative Kim Se-yeon, who had strongly criticized the party and declared he would not run. With a stern expression, he received his appointment letter from Leader Hwang and said, "I have thought deeply. Just a month ago, I said the party’s lifespan was over and that it should be dissolved, so I questioned whether it was appropriate for me to take on the Candidate Management duties of the Liberty Korea Party."

Kim explained his reason for joining, saying, "(Nevertheless) Chairman Kim, whom I have respected, the same Kim Hyung-o who submitted his resignation after the 20th nomination, came into the nomination field with the determination to save the country and spoke to me several times, making it difficult to refuse. If the party’s complete physical dissolution is not feasible before the general election, I thought that taking on the Candidate Committee duties and doing my best could be a second-best option to realize the intent behind my decision not to run."

He expressed his determination, saying, "I know the party well. Since I declared I would not run, I will serve as a Candidate Committee member free from any entanglements. I will approach my duties with only two things: patriotism and conscience."

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