Oh Se-hoon: "Hope the cheerful rebellion's hero is elected party leader"... Lee Jun-seok: "I will reform the party"

Lee Jun-seok Leads Poll for Next Party Leader Support

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 23rd, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon referred to the debate held by former Supreme Council member Lee Jun-seok, who is running for the People Power Party leadership, and lawmakers Kim Woong and Kim Eun-hye, saying he "dreams of a pleasant rebellion." In response, former Supreme Council member Lee said, "I will achieve good results and reform the party 'skillfully from day one'." Lee previously served as the head of the New Media Headquarters for Oh Se-hoon's campaign during the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election.

Mayor Oh wrote on his Facebook on the same day, "I just watched a debate held independently by first-term and newly elected members on YouTube. Encountering their lively ideas, breaking of formalities, and anti-authoritarian vision, I saw a bright future for our party."

He continued, "Among so many candidates, who should become the leader to win the hearts of the people? They are all excellent and qualified, but who among them will continue to win the hearts of the moderate voters and young people in their 20s and 30s who have just started to turn their attention to our party?" He asked, "How can we hold on to the hearts of these precious people?"

He said, "Democratic Party members vote strategically, but People Power Party members tend to vote out of anger. I ask you to put down anger for a moment and focus on the potential of candidates who can win the people's hearts."

Former Supreme Council Member Lee Jun-seok, who is running for the leader of the People Power Party, is introducing himself at a debate for rookie party leader candidates held on the 22nd at the political cafe "House" in Yeouido, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Mayor Oh also acknowledged, "I admit that experience and track record are more important than anything else," but emphasized, "This party leader has a historic mission as a supporter who must work in harmony with the presidential candidate to complement each other and maximize synergy."

He added, "Once the presidential candidate is decided, the role of the party leader will be limited to support functions, and the presidential candidate will effectively take on the role of party leader. This is also a mission as a pacemaker."

Furthermore, Mayor Oh said, "If the outcome is predictable according to political conventions, expectations and appeal will vanish like bubbles. At least if this pleasant rebellion leads to a nail-biting game, it will greatly stimulate expectations."

In conclusion, he said, "I pray for a charming party leader who can work in harmony with a presidential candidate who has experience and stability, fulfilling the public's expectations, and who can be the protagonist of a pleasant rebellion that the people, weary of hypocrisy and incompetence, will continue to watch with interesting anticipation." He added, "I sincerely hope such a leader will be elected."

Although Mayor Oh did not mention any specific candidate, some interpret his remarks as referring to former Supreme Council member Lee. Lee served as the head of the New Media Headquarters for Oh Se-hoon's campaign during the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election, helping Mayor Oh's victory.

Former Supreme Council member Lee shared Mayor Oh's remarks on Facebook and expressed his ambition, saying, "I am grateful for the trust and responsibilities given to me in the election camp. This time, I will achieve good results and reform the party 'skillfully from day one.'"

Meanwhile, recent polls show that former Supreme Council member Lee ranks first in support for the next party leader.

According to Hangil Research on the 23rd, based on a survey commissioned by Cookie News conducted on the 22nd targeting 1,000 men and women aged 18 and over, when asked "Who do you support as the next People Power Party leader?" former Supreme Council member Lee received 30.1% support, ranking first.

Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won came in second with 17.4%, followed by former floor leader Joo Ho-young at 9.3%, lawmaker Kim Woong at 5.0%, and lawmaker Kim Eun-hye at 4.9%. Next were lawmaker Hong Moon-pyo at 3.7%, lawmaker Yoon Young-seok at 3.3%, and lawmaker Cho Kyung-tae at 2.8%. 'Others/Don't know/No response' accounted for 23.6%.

The survey was conducted using 95.0% wireless ARS, 5.0% wired ARS, and random RDD extraction methods. The response rate was 4.7%, with a sampling error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, refer to the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website.

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