"No Strategy" vs "Expansion of Conservatism": Political Circles Divided Over the 'Lee Jun-seok Storm'

Former Supreme Council Member Lee Jun-seok Tops Opposition Party Leadership Poll 'Surprise'
Debate Over 'Lee Jun-seok Storm' Between Ruling and Opposition Parties
"Presidential Election Management Is Not Simple" vs "Healthy Chaos for New Creation"

Former Supreme Council Member Lee Jun-seok, who is challenging the People Power Party leadership, is visiting Seomun Market in Jung-gu, Daegu on the morning of the 24th, greeting merchants. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Interpretations are divided in the political sphere regarding former Supreme Council member Lee Jun-seok, who is causing a sensation by ranking first in the People Power Party's next party leadership poll. While some express skeptical opinions such as "It's difficult without experience" and "It's just a momentary breeze," there is also anticipation that Lee could serve as a catalyst to expand the conservative party's base.

On the 20th, Lee officially announced his candidacy for the People Power Party's party leader election. On that day, Lee held a press conference at the People Power Party's central office in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "I will be straightforward. I want to become the party leader," and emphasized, "If the younger generation gains confidence that they can be the main force of our party, (People Power Party) will be overwhelmed with talented people flocking in, screaming with happiness."

He also announced some unconventional pledges. Lee introduced measures such as "introducing a competitive selection system for major party positions so that anyone capable can participate in party activities based on their abilities," and proposed △requiring qualifications similar to the National Competency Standards (NCS) for all public election candidates △holding 2:2 team debate battles on specific topics among presidential candidates.

After declaring his candidacy, Lee caused a stir by ranking first in the next party leader support survey. According to a survey conducted by polling firm Hangil Research on the 22nd targeting 1,000 adult men and women, Lee's support rate was 30.1%, ranking first, followed by former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won (17.4%), former floor leader Joo Ho-young (9.3%), lawmaker Kim Woong (5.0%), lawmaker Kim Eun-hye (4.9%), lawmaker Hong Moon-pyo (3.7%), lawmaker Yoon Young-seok (3.3%), and lawmaker Cho Tae-kyung (2.8%).

However, interpretations of this "Lee Jun-seok phenomenon" are divided in the political world. While some express skepticism that an inexperienced politician cannot be entrusted with the important role of party leader, there are also positive prospects that Lee could reform conservatism.

Former Prime Minister and Democratic Party presidential candidate Jeong Sye-gyun is holding a press conference during his visit to the Gyeongnam Provincial Council on the morning of the 24th. / Photo by Yonhap News

On the 25th, former Prime Minister and ruling party presidential candidate Chung Sye-kyun commented on the "Lee Jun-seok phenomenon" in a TBS radio interview, saying, "The public's attention is focused, and the People Power Party is benefiting significantly, but there are also many concerns," adding, "Managing a presidential election is not that simple; it cannot be done without experience, and our country's unique 'jang-yu-yu-seo' culture also exists."

He also mentioned, "In the past, the UK Labour Party had a 39-year-old party leader named Ed Miliband, but I recall that the party failed to seize power and did not achieve great results." Ed Miliband, former leader of the UK Labour Party, led the party from 2010 to 2015 but resigned after losing the general election to the Conservative Party that year.

Criticism also came from the opposition. Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo wrote on his Facebook that day, "It's just a passing breeze," and pointed out, "At this critical moment, just 10 months before the presidential election, we cannot become an experimental party again." This appears to be a remark targeting Lee and other new lawmakers running in the party leader election.

Ha Tae-kyung, Member of the People Power Party / Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, positive prospects for Lee were also expressed. People Power Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung appeared on a radio show that day and said, "The conservative generation has expanded from the 60s and 70s to include the 20s and 30s, and I feel great pride and deep emotion in this big wave."

Regarding concerns that chaos might ensue if the inexperienced Lee becomes party leader, he argued, "Just as the previous Seoul mayoral election was mistaken, this kind of talk will also be wrong," calling it "healthy chaos for new creation."

He added, "Even former chairman Kim Jong-in, who is 80 years old, still communicates with our party and receives public support," emphasizing, "It's not about age but mindset. (Lee) is rising as the representative of the 20s and 30s, and since the main force of conservatism is shifting to the youth, if he arms himself with this mindset and engages in legislative activities, everyone can survive and become the main players in politics."

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