Hong's Return to Party, Ahn's Merger, Yoon's Joining... Lee Jun-seok's Three Challenges

Hong Jun-pyo's Reinstatement Pending Only Final Approval
Merger with People’s Party Also Smooth
Already Discussed with Leader Ahn Cheol-soo
Expected to Happen by July at the Latest
The Issue Is Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl's Entry
Yoon Draws a Line Saying 'Nothing Is Decided'

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, along with party officials, is paying respects on the morning of the 14th at the gravesite of the Marine Corps Marineon helicopter fallen soldiers in Gap-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon National Daejeon National Cemetery.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee, Boryeong Geum] The reinstatement of independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo, the merger with the People’s Party, and the entry of next presidential candidates are the three tasks given to Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party. Among these, Hong’s reinstatement is relatively easier. The reinstatement application has already been submitted, and it will be finalized once the People Power Party’s Supreme Council approves it. Since Lee has taken a positive stance on this issue, the reinstatement appears to be in the final countdown. There is also a possibility of the Supreme Council’s approval this afternoon. On the morning of the 14th, Lee appeared on the radio and said, “There is currently nothing in principle that would be an obstacle to reinstatement,” adding, “We will hold the first Supreme Council meeting today, discuss it thoroughly, and then decide. Personally, I see no reason to delay.” Hong also told this publication in a phone call that day, “Now it’s time to see Lee’s capability,” and “If the party stabilizes this week, I think I can return.”

The merger with the People’s Party also seems likely to proceed smoothly for now. On the 12th, the day after Lee’s election, he met with Ahn Cheol-soo and had a conversation. The two party leaders, having cleared the air, are expected to arrange an official meeting for future merger discussions. It is anticipated to be finalized by July at the latest. After the Supreme Council meeting that day, Ahn told reporters, “There will probably be an official introductory meeting. (Regarding the merger, etc.) these are matters that can be discussed gradually.”

The “presidential election bus,” driven by Lee, is expected to depart in mid-August. On the radio that day, Lee said, “The presidential election is not an event held for a specific person, so the schedule is being presented, and two months from now is enough time for presidential candidates to make up their minds.” He added, “Those who want to board during that time will adjust their schedules, and those who have other thoughts will probably follow their own plans.” This was interpreted as urging former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl to make a decision about joining the party.

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is applauding at the opening ceremony of Namsan Yejang Park in Seoul on the afternoon of the 9th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, former Prosecutor General Yoon is still drawing a line, saying “nothing has been decided.” Through his spokesperson that day, Yoon said, “I came out because the people called me. I said I would follow the path pointed out,” adding, “You will see gradually. All options are open. Nothing has been decided.” Jang Sung-chul, director of the Sympathy and Debate Policy Center, said, “The reinstatement of Hong and the merger with the People’s Party have already been largely decided, so they don’t seem to be a problem,” and “Regarding party entry, if Lee does not insist stubbornly and approaches it from a broad perspective by presenting principles, it will proceed smoothly.”

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