The Strengthening 'Lee Jun-seok's Dominance'... MZ Generation's Candid Political Style Works

D-7 to the Party Convention

Attention on Na Kyung-won’s Unstoppable Counterattack Despite Criticism from Joo Ho-young

On the afternoon of May 30, at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Chipyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju, Lee Jun-seok, the candidate for the People Power Party leader, is presenting his policy speech at the joint rally for party leader and supreme council member candidates from Gwangju, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Jeju.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee, Boryeong Geum] How far will Lee Jun-seok's MZ generation-style politics go? Can the whirlwind caused by the former Supreme Council member ultimately lead to 'securing party leadership'? So far, the atmosphere suggests that this is quite possible. On the 4th, one week before the People Power Party's leadership election, his 'number one strong position' seems to be getting even stronger.

The best way to confirm whether the 'Lee Jun-seok whirlwind' is the trend or not is actually not through 'public opinion polls.' Rather, it is faster to observe how his competitors are moving. It is important to note that the 'voices' of the two veteran lawmakers, Na Kyung-won and Joo Ho-young, are becoming increasingly harsh. On the 2nd, at a joint speech meeting held in Busan, Representative Joo said, "The wind should be a beneficial breeze without fine dust, not a storm that breaks windows and knocks down signs, which causes severe aftereffects and damage." There is a sense of urgency in his words.

Former Representative Na also went to Daegu on the 3rd and practically copied Representative Joo's remarks from the previous day. He said, "They say a strong wind is blowing now. However, it should not be a change that only puts on makeup. We need stable leadership, not immature leadership that opens the lid of a half-cooked rice cooker. We must overcome the strong wind that views the party leadership election from outside as a game or play." His words carry the desperation that emerges when defeat seems imminent.

On Criticism of Lack of Political Experience
"If That Logic Applies, Yoon Should Not Enter Politics"

In Response to Criticism of Only Having Name Recognition
"Why Don't You Have Name Recognition When You Are Five-Term Lawmakers?"

Lee Jun-seok's political style completely defies conventional wisdom. It is not a matter of liking or disliking, right or wrong, but distinctly different. In politics, it is common sense and etiquette for relatively 'newcomers' to be mindful of veterans. For example, just as first-term lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea did not even mention the Cho Kuk incident, real estate policy failures, or ministerial personnel screening issues when meeting President Moon Jae-in the day before.

However, Lee Jun-seok is unrestrained. It is an MZ generation-style expression of 'saying everything that needs to be said.' In response to rival candidates' criticism of his lack of political experience, he retorted, "If that logic applies, former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl should not come near politics." Regarding the nickname 'zero-term veteran,' he laughs it off, saying, "I am not offended. I am happy." In an interview with a media outlet, he sharply responded, "They say I only have name recognition, but why don't you have name recognition when you are five-term lawmakers?" Then he concluded with a confirmation shot, saying, "I don't want to live a dull life as a local lord while being a member of the National Assembly for 20 years."

Unlike established politicians who use social media only when they want articles to be published in the press, Lee Jun-seok frequently communicates with his supporters through social media. The ripple effect is shaking the entire political scene. Within the People Power Party, there is a self-assessment that if this popularity continues until next year's presidential election, 'regime change' could also be possible. The ruling party is also on high alert. On the 2nd, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Joo-min appeared on the radio and said, "If Lee Jun-seok becomes the leader of the People Power Party, I think he will have considerable influence on the upcoming presidential election as well."

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