Veteran Opposition Lawmakers Move to Check Lee Jun-seok: "Leadership Change Alone Won't Ensure Regime Change"

Kim Gi-hyeon, Acting Party Leader and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the meeting of Seoul Party Committee Chairpersons and Standing and Special Committee Chairpersons of the Seoul City Party held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 28th. From the right: Representative Hong Moon-pyo, Representative Joo Ho-young, Acting Leader Kim Gi-hyeon, former Representative Na Kyung-won, and Park Seong-jung, Chairperson of the Seoul City Party Committee. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Senior members participating in the main race for the next leadership election of the People Power Party acknowledged the 'new wind' but still emphasized 'stability' and 'experience.' This appears to be an effort to check former Supreme Council member Lee Jun-seok, who is causing a stir.

The People Power Party held a 'Seoul City Party Committee Chairpersons Meeting' at the Yeouido party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, on the morning of the 28th. Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, lawmaker Joo Ho-young, and lawmaker Hong Moon-pyo, who advanced to the main race following the cutoff results that day, attended. Lawmaker Cho Kyung-tae and former Supreme Council member Lee did not attend due to other schedules.

Former lawmaker Na, who took the microphone first, acknowledged the new wind blowing ahead of the June 11 party convention. He said, "The party must change, reform, and innovate to embrace this new wind," adding, "It is important to show that the party is truly getting closer to the people and public sentiment."

However, he pointed out that change alone is not enough to win next year's presidential election. Former lawmaker Na said, "Leadership for regime change cannot be achieved by change alone," and "Above all, what is important is leadership for unity."

He also emphasized that he has no faction. He explained, "Everyone knows me as a politician without a faction," and "As someone without a faction, I can manage the primary election fairly."

Lawmaker Joo said, "There is a wind of change, and we must accept change," but added, "However, if that change harms the existing system, it could be risky ahead of a major election." This is interpreted as a remark conscious of former Supreme Council member Lee, the only newcomer advocating change who survived.

Lawmaker Joo also emphasized experience. A five-term lawmaker, he said, "I have never failed in any of my five elections," and added, "It is better to entrust the presidential election to someone who has won, rather than someone who has lost, as the latter carries risks." Former Supreme Council member Lee has experience running in general elections but has never been a member of the National Assembly.

Earlier, Lawmaker Joo, who had referred to former Supreme Council member Lee as part of the 'Yoo Seung-min faction,' also said that day, "Fair management of the primary election is important," and "People who cause disputes over fairness should not be involved."

Four-term lawmaker Hong also said, "Change is good. However, the presidential election is not a simple election," emphasizing, "It determines the fate of the nation, and it is questionable whether all resources should be used. Such inflammatory rhetoric is unacceptable. One must be skilled in practice and have strategy and tactics."

He added, "Frankly, sending a failed general back to war is tantamount to giving up the war," and "You cannot block a typhoon and heavy rain with a vinyl umbrella."

Regarding his own experience and expertise, Lawmaker Hong explained, "I have been responsible for several presidential elections and have know-how and my own ideas," and said, "I will present experience and expertise as my strengths for the 10-month party leadership."

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