Lee Jun-seok "Kim Han-gil Recruitment, Concern Over Anti-Moon Gathering... Must Make Wise Judgment"

"Distinguish Between Symbolic Appointments and Practical Personnel"

Former Saenuri Party Representative Kim Han-gil [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, commented on presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol's attempt to recruit former New Politics Alliance for Democracy leader Kim Han-gil, saying, "If it becomes a gathering place against Moon Jae-in, it could be a replay of the 2020 general election."

On the 17th, Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Hanpan Seungbu' and stated, "Even if integration proceeds, the concept must be well established to be effective for the public."

He said, "Symbolic figures and those who handle practical work should be distinguished," referring to Donggyodong faction figures like Kim Kyung-jae and Han Kwang-ok, who were recruited during former President Park Geun-hye's administration. He added, "These people are symbolic figures. They don't come to create promotional materials, nor are such expectations held."

He continued, "Former leader Kim can sufficiently handle practical work and has influence, so since there are often expanded interpretations, our candidate must carefully assess both the positive and negative effects of such interpretations."

When asked if he was negative about former leader Kim joining, Lee replied, "Our candidate has not heard the name of former leader Kim," adding, "Perhaps some people have taken the lead on this."

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party

Regarding former emergency committee chairman Kim Byung-joon's joining, Lee said, "I have heard talk about this person, but there are some ambiguous parts that make it difficult to say it is confirmed."

Lee explained, "It is true that there has been considerable communication between former emergency committee chairman Kim Byung-joon and our candidate, and there have been several exchanges, so the candidate seems to be expecting Kim's joining," but added, "During the time Kim stepped down as emergency committee chairman and was away, he gave many interviews that could have been burdensome to various figures."

He added, "Personally, I think there are things he needs to push through." Former chairman Kim served as the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party's predecessor, the Liberty Korea Party, from July 2018 to February 2019.

Meanwhile, regarding reports that former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in proposed recruiting former lawmakers Geum Tae-seop and Yoon Hee-sook as co-chief campaign chairs, Lee said, "It is true that former chairman Kim Jong-in has considerable favor toward those two, but it is difficult to speak directly about it."

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