Lee Jun-seok warns Yoon Seok-yeol: "If you mistakenly engage in a power struggle, it will become increasingly difficult"

"Boycott Suspicion, What If Not Referred to Inquiry, Must Discipline"
'Party Leader Takes the Lead' Dilemma Situation
"Worried Because Policy Message Is Not Visible"
"Should Focus on Messages Related to Real Estate or Livelihood"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, expressed his intention to move past the conflict situation with former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol for the time being. Lee lamented the criticism from some quarters that the party leader is "stepping ahead of the candidates."

On the 9th, in a phone interview with this publication, Lee said regarding the series of conflicts with former Prosecutor General Yoon, "I understand that there is some confusion in the operation direction setting of the campaigns in any presidential campaign," adding, "I don't think it is a serious situation yet."

He continued, "However, whether this is confusion at the stage of forming the campaign or if it is really a mistake in setting the direction and attacking the party leadership's policy as a campaign strategy," trailing off, then said, "If they really think wrongly and try to fight for control, it will only get worse."

Concerns about tension between the two sides grew as former Prosecutor General Yoon suddenly joined the People Power Party during Lee's local schedule, and Yoon consecutively missed party-hosted presidential candidate events. Moreover, recently, there were even allegations that a senior lawmaker from Yoon's camp pressured others to skip events of other presidential candidates.

Regarding this, Lee stated on social media on the 7th, "It is serious that they allegedly instructed to boycott the schedule of the party's official body, the Primary Preparation Committee, but I understand that the campaign had some communication issues early on, and if the campaign does not provide further rebuttal, I will let this matter drop."

Lee said about this, "What if I don't let it drop?" and added, "Then they should be disciplined." He continued, "By now, they should have understood. Who in Yeouido doesn't know who called whom?"

He also expressed frustration over criticism that the party leader is stepping ahead in the presidential primary.

Lee said, "I am in a dilemma," adding, "They tell me not to step forward, but if I come back from vacation, will the candidates suddenly release many messages? It doesn't seem so," revealing his regret. He said, "I want the candidates to resolve this dilemma," and expressed concern, "People say the leader gets attention and criticize it, but if the leader says nothing, the candidates won't get attention either." He added, "Candidates should focus on policy messages," and criticized, "I am worried because there are hardly any policy messages. The public is very interested in issues like real estate and livelihood, but the campaigns are not paying much attention to these problems."

He said, "It is positive that candidate Hong Joon-pyo's camp is releasing real estate measures and pledges," but added, "The intensity is not strong yet. If it is a policy, it should have a neat name and be presented nicely, but it just comes out as real estate measures, which is disappointing."

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