Japan's Asahi, Exclusive Interview with Lee Jun-seok..."Yoon Seok-yeol, Inexperienced in Politics, Has Never Run in an Election"

"Most Respected Politician, Former President Park Jeong-hui"
"Regret That Summit with Japan Has Not Been Decided Yet"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Japanese Asahi Shimbun reported an exclusive interview with Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party. In the interview, Lee pointed out that Yoon Seok-yeol, a leading presidential candidate and former Prosecutor General, is inexperienced as he has never run an election before. He also mentioned that if he succeeds as party leader, he has thoughts about challenging for the presidency in the future, Asahi Shimbun reported.

According to Asahi Shimbun on the 16th, Lee said in the interview the day before that regarding Yoon, a leading presidential candidate, "I think there are many immature aspects because he has never run an election before," and added, "Right now, his popularity is very high, and wherever he goes, he is welcomed, so it might be hard to see what his supporters really want." He continued, "Once he can grasp that, Yoon’s message will become clearer."

When asked if he plans to challenge for the presidency in the future, Lee said, "I think various possibilities will arise if I succeed as party leader," but drew a line by saying, "I have no intention to rush."

When asked who his most respected politician is, he named former President Park Chung-hee. He said, "Former President Park led Korea’s economic development," but emphasized, "It is somewhat regrettable that he took the path of dictatorship." He added, "It was Park’s daughter, former President Park Geun-hye, who brought me into politics," and explained, "Seeing former President Park Geun-hye being impeached and imprisoned made me want to lead a new conservative politics."

Regarding the Moon Jae-in administration’s relations with Japan, he said, "It is regrettable that a summit meeting has not yet been decided, although the Tokyo Olympics should have been an opportunity to improve bilateral relations," and pointed out, "The Moon administration probably wanted to achieve results in reestablishing the rigid Korea-Japan relations caused by forced labor and comfort women issues during its term, but it will be difficult for Japan to respond accordingly."

He continued, "Even if it is not a major achievement, President Moon could open a clue for future relationship improvement. That would be Korea blessing the Olympics and showing the will to provide maximum support as a neighboring country," and added, "If so, Japan would also show a somewhat positive stance on historical issues."

Lee said, "It is regrettable that there is discord between Korean and Japanese leaders and lawmakers. I want to improve this relationship in the future," and emphasized, "In diplomatic relations, neither side can win 100%. Even if both Korea and Japan feel domestic pressure and the results are unsatisfactory, they must engage in negotiations."

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