Lee Jun-seok: "Yoon Shows Traits of a Populist Politician but... Regrettable He Fails to Leverage His Strengths"

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, evaluated former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, a leading presidential candidate within the party, on the 29th during a special interview broadcasted by nine regional private broadcasters nationwide. He said, "He has the qualities of a populist politician," but also expressed regret, stating, "It is unfortunate that he has not been able to leverage his strengths." [Photo by kbc News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, evaluated former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, a leading presidential candidate within the party, as "having the qualities of a populist politician" but also said it is "regrettable that he has not fully leveraged his strengths."

On the 29th, during a special interview with nine regional broadcasters nationwide, Lee said, "No matter which region in South Korea Yoon visits now, there will be people who respond when he waves his hand." The broadcast was recorded on the 23rd and released on this day.

In the interview, Lee said, "I hope Yoon can maximize his strengths," but added, "So far, the candidate's actions and the composition of his campaign seem somewhat different from that, so honestly, it is regrettable and insufficient."

He also emphasized, "It is natural for some friction to occur with other candidates during the presidential primary process," and said, "Once the final candidate is decided, we must put the party before personal interests."

Additionally, Lee stated, "The person who enabled me to enter politics is former President Park Geun-hye, the person who taught me political skills is former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in, and the person with whom I share political philosophy is former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min."

Regarding Kim's role in the presidential election, Lee said, "If former Chairman Kim offers to help, I should eagerly seek his assistance, and if not, I believe that based on what I have absorbed, I can also realize what he aims to achieve."

He added, "Former Chairman Kim was the winner of the April 7 by-elections, and I have great respect for him," and explained, "At some point, I am aware that I must demonstrate political skills that surpass his, in line with the phrase 'the student surpasses the master' (Cheongchul-eoram)."

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, is giving a greeting at the final judging of the People Power Party policy contest "I am Gukdae Season 2 with Junstone," held on the afternoon of the 27th at the central party office in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee also shared his thoughts on the failed merger with the People’s Party. He said, "It is natural for Ahn Cheol-soo, the leader of the People’s Party, to make choices optimized for his political situation," and added, "My intention to merge has not changed even once since June."

As the first major party leader in constitutional history in his 30s, Lee expressed his intention to run for president in the future, saying, "There are expectations placed on me beyond my own desires, so I will manage myself well and seek that role."

When asked if this meant he would run for president if given the opportunity, Lee replied, "As a joke, the scariest person in the military is a colonel who has given up promotion. It would be shameful if a politician does not aim for a higher or stronger position than their current one," leaving the possibility open.

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