Candidates for 최고위원 say "Lee Hae-chan, suddenly bursts out... scary" harsh criticism

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The candidates for the Supreme Council of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have voiced sharp criticisms of party leader Lee Hae-chan's management policies. While they agreed that the next leadership must be different, their stances on the party leader candidates showed varying degrees of support.

On the morning of the 28th, Representative Noh Woong-rae appeared on TBS Radio and was asked, "If you could say a word to the current leadership, especially to Leader Lee Hae-chan, something you couldn't say while he was the leader, what would it be?" He replied, "We should praise and applaud Leader Lee Hae-chan for achieving an unprecedented 180 seats in the 21st National Assembly," adding, "However, his outbursts are something we should be cautious about. If he loses his temper anytime, it doesn't just end quickly; it has repercussions." He continued, "Since we are currently in a crisis, to overcome it, the leadership must not be as invisible as a 'Bongsunga Academy' (a Korean idiom meaning ineffective or ornamental). They must firmly hold the center of the party."

Representative Lee Won-wook also said, "I find Leader Lee Hae-chan intimidating. Even when I try to speak frankly or offer advice, it's very difficult to express myself honestly and receive criticism. After speaking, I often feel like I get scolded for a long time." He added, "It's not because he's bad, but because of his definitive tone, like 'I've done it this way before, so you should do it like this,' which creates a somewhat intimidating atmosphere overall."

Representative Shin Dong-geun said, "I want to emulate him as a strategist," but added, "He led an unprecedented victory with 180 seats, but his characteristic sharpness and excessive confidence sometimes provoke anger." When asked if that meant he comes across as arrogant, he replied, "He has pride that is justified, but it would be better if he could exercise some restraint."

Representative Kim Jong-min said, "One regret is that Leader Lee Hae-chan has so much experience that he won't take a path unless it is clearly visible," adding, "In terms of political reform, while talking with Leader Lee, I sometimes felt frustrated or limited because he strongly believed that most new ideas or challenges wouldn't work since he has already tried everything."

Their opinions on the next party leader candidates varied. Representative Shin said, "I am number one, President Moon Jae-in is number one, Candidate Lee Nak-yeon is number one, and Shin Dong-geun is number one. I have thought about whether we could proceed like this," adding, "I will consider it."

Representative Noh said, "I am very close to Candidate Kim Boo-kyum. He is very rational, but I have some concerns that he may lack decisiveness," adding, "Candidate Lee Nak-yeon showed leadership in overcoming crises as Prime Minister (which is a strength), but he seems like a perfectionist. If that makes him appear lacking in empathy with the public and party members, that could be a problem."

Representative Lee said, "Candidate Lee Nak-yeon has a tenacity to resolve issues once he picks one, but sometimes I felt he lacks communication with those around him," adding, "Senior Kim Boo-kyum really communicates with everyone, but may lack decisiveness." He also said, "Representative Park Joo-min seems a bit shy. People observing from afar might give him a stingy evaluation."

Representative Kim said, "This is a really difficult issue. Both candidates, Kim Boo-kyum and Lee Nak-yeon, convey a message of great stability. I have a more aggressive image, somewhat like a front-line attacker, so I think that might complement them well," but he refrained from elaborating further.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's national convention will be held on the 29th of next month. Among Representatives Lee Won-wook, Yang Hyang-ja, Noh Woong-rae, Han Byung-do, Kim Jong-min, Shin Dong-geun, So Byung-hoon, and Mayor Yeom Tae-young of Suwon, five will pass the primary election and serve as Supreme Council members. Earlier, in the preliminary election held at the National Assembly on the 24th, Representative Lee Jae-jung and Jeong Gwang-il, head of the Ahn Jung-geun Peace Foundation Youth Academy, were eliminated.

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