Yoon Camp Clarifies Impeachment Remarks... Lee Jun-seok Says "Clear Attack Intent," Conflict Escalates

Yoon Seok-yeol Camp's Former Lawmaker Shin Ji-ho
"Even if the Party Leader Decides on a Debate,
If It Is Not Based on the Constitution and Laws,
The President Can Also Be Impeached"
Explanation Issued Late After Remarks
"I Was Referring to the Basic Principles of a Democratic Republic"

Lee Jun-seok Shows Displeasure
"Coercing Boycott of Party Events
Now Even Mentioning Impeachment"
Lee-Yoon Discord Intensifies

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol (left) and Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Lee Hyun-joo] The discord and conflict between former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, are escalating. When Yoon's campaign mentioned 'impeachment' seemingly targeting Lee, Lee did not back down, stating, "The continuous calls for boycott, passing-over controversies, and the purpose of these attacks have become clear."

The impeachment remark came during an interview on the 11th with Shin Jin-ho, former lawmaker and political affairs director of Yoon's campaign, on the radio. When asked about the debate being prepared by the People Power Party's primary preparation committee, he said, "Even if the debate is decided by the party leader or even the president, if it is not based on the constitution and laws, wouldn't that be grounds for impeachment?" Judging that this statement could be misunderstood, Shin clarified the next day (12th) through a press release, saying it was "a discussion about the basic principles of a democratic republic." He stepped back, saying the impeachment remark was not directed at Lee.

However, Lee did not accept the explanation at face value. He believed the impeachment remark was aimed at him. On the morning of the same day, Lee posted three messages on his Facebook, saying, "I don't know what went so wrong from the moment I joined the party without leadership, that they are now urging boycotts of party events and even mentioning impeachment," and "No matter how much they shake the party, I will continue the principle of a fair primary." Lee did not hesitate to use emotionally charged expressions, saying, "Do hyenas and lions stay friendly until the end?" and "Go be with people like wild boars and meerkats."

Analysts suggest that behind this conflict lies not just a simple power struggle but a latent power dynamic. From the perspective of Yoon and other presidential candidates, there is suspicion that Lee might support former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min or Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Especially Yoon's camp is concerned about being pressured to participate in debates without even registering as a preliminary candidate, fearing lack of preparation.

Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, is delivering opening remarks at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Conversely, Lee's side is wary of Yoon, who has focused on expanding his base by announcing party personnel recruitment even before joining the party, and is pushing a 'bandwagon effect.' Previously, Yoon crossed the 'red line' set by Lee, such as banning outside candidates from joining the campaign, seemingly challenging Lee's authority. In political circles, it is interpreted that there is a significant difference in opinion between Yoon, who leads the opposition presidential candidate polls, and Lee, who is obsessed with the primary's success. Yoon's camp is dissatisfied with the party leader being treated on the same level as candidates polling in the 1% range. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "Yoon's camp, with high approval ratings, wants to be an exception to the rules."

The deeper the resentment and conflict between the party leader and preliminary candidates grow, the more it is expected to act as a general negative factor for the People Power Party. During the process of discussing issues where candidates' interests sharply diverge, such as primary rules, another power struggle may emerge. Inside the People Power Party, voices are rising that senior lawmakers should step in to resolve the situation. Floor leader Kim Ki-hyun is scheduled to visit his Ulsan constituency over the weekend, and there is speculation that he might mediate to some extent through a meeting with Lee, who is currently staying nearby.

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