Lee Jun-seok "People Power Party Shows Will for Self-Reliance, Will Keep Presidential Candidate Doors Open"

On the 11th, at the People Power Party Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul, candidate Lee Jun-seok, who was elected as the new party leader at the party convention held to elect the party leader, is greeting attendees. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] Lee Jun-seok, the newly appointed leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 11th, "No matter how much we advance the presidential primary schedule, practically it can only start after mid to late August," adding, "It is not possible to adjust the primary schedule to exclude a specific candidate."

After concluding the first party convention held at the party headquarters that day, Lee met with reporters to share his future plans. He said, "I believe many citizens and party members have shown support for the grand opposition unity centered around our party," and added, "We will continue to demonstrate our party's determination for self-reliance and keep the door open to presidential candidates who wish to join us."

He mentioned, "The number of presidential candidates within the party will become more abundant," noting, "In addition to Governor Won Hee-ryong of Jeju Province and former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, Assemblyman Ha Tae-kyung has also expressed his intention to run for president," and added, "I expect there will be even more presidential candidates from our party." Lee also said, "There are people outside the party who can contribute sufficiently," and continued, "If I may say, former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, People’s Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo, and even Choi Jae-hyung, the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection mentioned by some, if they have political participation intentions, I will guide and provide information to them."

Regarding the primary rules, he stated, "To avoid criticism that the rules favor a specific candidate, we will gather party members to proceed with the process."

As for the most urgent issue to be addressed first, he pointed to the merger with the People’s Party. He said, "I think communication with Leader Ahn will take place as soon as possible to prepare the merger procedures." Lee added, "I believe Assemblyman Joo Ho-young has played an excellent role in this significant task of merging with the People’s Party, which has been discussed so far," and said, "I will officially request him to continue handling this work."

Regarding former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who placed second in this primary, he said, "I am willing to ask her to take on an important role that fits the situation and her stature."

Concerning former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in of the People Power Party, he said, "He has the capability and role to contribute sufficiently during the presidential election process, so rather than worrying about him not coming, we should be concerned about that," and added, "Once the presidential candidate is decided, I will consult with the candidate to bring him into the party."

Regarding his first schedule after taking office, he announced a visit to Daejeon National Cemetery. Lee said, "I will visit Daejeon National Cemetery to comfort the victims of the Cheonan incident and address the recent issues related to the inappropriate actions of the Moon Jae-in administration."

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