"'Join by the end of August' pressure from Lee... Yoon's side says 'timetable likely unchanged'"

Lee Dong-hoon, Spokesperson for Yoon Camp
"Will follow public opinion
Specifically, will choose the method of joining the People Power Party
at a timely moment
Zero possibility of joining the Democratic Party"

Lee Jun-seok, Party Leader, Welcomes Yoon's Move
"Very positive to organize the structure"

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol visited the "Yonsei University Kim Dae-jung Library" located in Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, the previous day. Guided by Kim Sung-jae, Executive Director of the Kim Dae-jung Peace Center, he reviewed materials related to former President Kim and engaged in a discussion about the policy management of the Kim Dae-jung administration. (Provided by Former Prosecutor General Yoon's Office)

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, set a deadline for former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol to make a decision by the end of August regarding his party entry. In response, Yoon’s camp said, "The timetables (of both sides) will not be different." At the same time, Yoon’s camp clearly denied any possibility of joining the Democratic Party, saying it was "absolutely not" an option. Regarding the other option of founding a new party or a ‘third zone,’ they said it was "open," which can be interpreted as Yoon planning to conclude his entry into the People Power Party without delay while still considering other possibilities until the last moment.

Lee Dong-hoon, spokesperson for Yoon’s campaign, appeared on YTN Radio’s ‘Hwang Bo-seon’s Focus’ on the 15th and said, "So far, (Yoon) has met with many senior figures in society and listened to their opinions, but going forward, he will meet various segments of the public, listen to public opinion, and follow where it points." He added, "Specifically, there could be a way to join the People Power Party." He continued, "If he joins, the People Power Party would be the platform for the presidential election, and there is actually a lot of demand for that," but also said, "However, some say that joining the People Power Party should not be done in a ‘Yoon Seok-yeol style’ but should follow the party’s pace, so we are listening to many opinions."

Although the remarks leave several possibilities open, the overall weight seems to lean toward joining the People Power Party. The spokesperson gave a positive assessment of the current situation of the People Power Party and hinted that they might work together in next year’s presidential election. He said, "The People Power Party is also striving to become a party of common sense that aligns with the will of the people," and "Yoon believes that people who hold values of liberal democracy, common sense, and fairness should unite." He added, "A decision will be made in a timely manner," and "Yoon’s timetable and Lee Jun-seok’s timetable will not conflict." He dismissed the possibility of Yoon running as a Democratic Party candidate as "100% impossible."

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, is showing his badge after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (Janssen) at a hospital in Nowon-gu, Seoul on the 15th. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On the same day, Lee repeated his message to "get on the primary bus by the end of August." Speaking on the radio, Lee told presidential hopefuls including Yoon, "If the presidential election is in March, there should be at least about six months of aligning with party members to receive active support later," and affirmed, "I see the end of August as the deadline for party entry." Lee also welcomed Yoon’s recent moves to establish a public relations team and begin full-scale communication. He said, "So far, his actions seemed to show a weak resolve toward politics, but I positively evaluate the fact that he is organizing a team."

Meanwhile, the day before, Yoon visited the ‘Yonsei University Kim Dae-jung Library’ located in Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. According to the spokesperson, Yoon was guided by Kim Sung-jae, executive director of the Kim Dae-jung Peace Center, reviewed materials related to former President Kim Dae-jung, and had a discussion about the policy management of the Kim Dae-jung administration.

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