Hwang Kyo-an: "No Factional Division Allowed, Party Leader Must Solve the Problem"

"Regime Change Nears, but Our Party Is Fighting Internally"
"Meet Directly and Talk... Pride and Stubbornness After the Presidential Election"

Former Hwang Kyo-ahn, former leader of the United Future Party (predecessor of the People Power Party). / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Hwang Kyo-ahn, former leader of the United Future Party (predecessor of the People Power Party), emphasized the role of Lee Jun-seok, stating, "Internal division must never happen. Resolving the issue is the responsibility of the party leader," in response to the ongoing internal strife within the People Power Party.

On the 19th, Hwang wrote on his Facebook, "Excessive self-assertion will only ruin the presidential election," expressing his views.

He continued, "The inevitable goal of regime change is just ahead. However, our party is staying up nights with internal backstabbing and fighting instead of aiming for that goal," urging, "I hope everyone regains reason and exercises restraint."

He added, "We are heading down the path of becoming 'national traitors' and 'sinners of history,'" emphasizing, "Our real opponent is not within the party but the Moon Jae-in administration."

Hwang stressed that active action by Lee Jun-seok is crucial to resolving the party's conflicts. He said, "Resolving the problem is now the party leader's responsibility. (Lee) should meet directly and have sincere conversations," adding, "Then solutions will naturally emerge. Pride and stubbornness can be asserted after winning the presidential election."

He also appealed to presidential candidates, saying, "Please do not fall for the temptation of 'noise marketing,' and show wisdom in uniting to find a path to victory."

Former Jeju Governor and People Power Party presidential candidate Won Hee-ryong demanded at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 18th, "Release the entire recording file of the phone call with me by 6 p.m. today," directed at Representative Lee Jun-seok. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, on the 17th, Won Hee-ryong, former governor of Jeju and a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, claimed that Lee Jun-seok mentioned that "former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl will soon be dealt with." This led to a 'recording truth dispute' after Lee released part of a phone call recording with Won.

According to the recording released by Lee, when Won expressed concern, saying, "The people our camp is fighting now are people everyone will need to know later," Lee responded, "Don't worry too much. They are speaking strongly because of the party admission process on their side."

Lee added, "We are currently conducting an internal investigation with the Yeouido Research Institute. That will be settled soon."

The interpretation of "that" mentioned by Lee in the conversation differed between the two. Won claimed "that" referred to former Prosecutor General Yoon, while Lee argued it referred to conflicts arising within the party.

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party / Photo by Yonhap News

The dispute continued on the 18th. Won held an emergency press conference, stating, "Lee Jun-seok clearly said, 'Former Prosecutor General Yoon will soon be dealt with,'" and demanded, "Lee should release the entire phone call recording."

However, Lee only responded on Facebook with, "I just feel sorry," without further action.

Later that day, Won posted on his Facebook, saying, "In the end, Lee Jun-seok did not release the original phone call recording. This is very regrettable," but also added, "I believe Lee has effectively admitted his mistake and hope this serves as a turning point to prevent such errors from recurring."

He continued, "While I regret the current conflict, the core issue is to revive the primary election and gain the public's trust to achieve the goal of regime change," urging, "I hope Lee promises to conduct a fair primary and follows through on that promise."

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