"Dynamic Leadership," "Significant Potential"... Ruling Party Tense Over 'Lee Jun-seok Phenomenon'

Jeon Jae-su "Dynamism was a symbol of the ruling party, but where has it gone?"
Park Yong-jin "A generational change wind should blow as strong as in the opposition"

Candidate Lee Jun-seok, who is running for the People Power Party leadership election, is presenting his vision at the 1st Party Convention Vision Presentation held at Nurikkum Square in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 25th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] In the ruling party's next leadership poll, former Supreme Council member Lee Jun-seok, who ranked first and caused a stir, was described by the ruling party as "envied." It is explained that the People Power Party has become a dynamic party enough for a young politician in his 30s to play an active role in the party representative election. There are also voices calling for the Democratic Party of Korea to focus on reform.

On the 26th, Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Jae-soo appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and responded to the host's question, "How do you see the Lee Jun-seok phenomenon?" by saying, "I am very envious and dynamic," adding, "He is lively and enjoyable to watch."

He continued, "On the other hand, there is a bitter feeling," and added, "Being dynamic and vibrant was the Democratic Party's trademark until recently, so I wonder when it went over there."

Jeon also emphasized that public sentiment desires "young leadership." He said, "The leadership demanded by this era is dynamic, vibrant, somewhat young and distinctive," and added, "The public wants (young) leadership rather than stability-oriented and solemn leadership."

Park Yong-jin, Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

There were also claims that the ruling party must accelerate generational change to win the hearts of young voters.

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Yong-jin pointed out in a post on his Facebook, "I am concerned whether (the Democratic Party) is hesitating to accept challenges from young people," and analyzed, "In the April 7 by-election, the Democratic Party failed to win the hearts of young people in their 20s and 30s, which was the cause of defeat."

He added, "In the Democratic Party's presidential primary, a stronger wind of change and generational replacement than the People Power Party should blow," emphasizing, "Our Democratic Party must experience a strong wind comparable to the Lee Jun-seok storm. Only then can we win the presidential election and take responsibility for the future of the Republic of Korea through regime re-creation."

Pro-government broadcaster Kim Eo-jun also said on his TBS Traffic Broadcasting program 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' regarding the attention former Supreme Council member Lee is receiving, "He is on the rise," and claimed, "He will naturally pass the cut-off, and there are quite a few who predict he can win in the general election. It actually seems that he has a considerable chance of winning."

Former Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, Lee Jun-seok, declared his candidacy for party leader on the afternoon of the 20th at the People Power Party Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, in the People Power Party's next party representative election poll, former Supreme Council member Lee Jun-seok appeared to be leading. According to a survey conducted by Realmeter commissioned by JTBC over two days from the 22nd, targeting 1,013 adults, Lee's approval rating was 30.3%, ranking first. This is 11.9 percentage points ahead of former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who ranked second with 18.4%.

Following were lawmaker Joo Ho-young (9.5%), lawmaker Kim Eun-hye (4.1%), lawmaker Kim Woong (3.1%), lawmakers Cho Kyung-tae and Hong Moon-pyo (each 2.9%), and lawmaker Yoon Young-seok (1.3%).

Earlier, on the 20th, former Supreme Council member Lee officially announced his candidacy for the People Power Party leadership election. At that time, Lee held a press conference at the People Power Party Central Office in Yeouido, Seoul, and said, "I will speak frankly. I want to become the party leader."

In particular, Lee emphasized attracting young talent. He said, "Anyone with ability will be able to work in the party based on their skills," and added, "If the younger generation gains confidence that they can be the main force of our party, (People Power Party) will scream with happiness from the influx of talented people."

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