Regarding the timing of Kim Geon-hee's appearance, Lee Jun-seok questions, "Is there doubt that Kim Hye-kyung helped Lee's vote count?"

"Spouse 'Does Not Have to Be This Way'"
Lee on 'Cho Kuk Responsibility' Mention: "No Words at the Time... Won't Think It Has Sincerity"

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party.
Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, commented on the public appearance timing of Kim Gun-hee, wife of presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol, saying, "Did the activities of Kim Hye-kyung, wife of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, help the candidate?" and added, "There is no set rule on how a candidate's spouse should be active."

On the 24th, Lee appeared on BBS Radio's 'Morning Journal' and stated, "I doubt whether the activities or exposure of the candidate's spouse helped in gaining votes," expressing this view.

He explained, "So far, we have paid a lot of attention to the movements of candidates' spouses, but I believe this entirely depends on the candidate and their family's circumstances," adding, "For example, Kang Nan-hee, the late Mayor Park Won-soon's wife, limited her public activities considerably. Yet, Mayor Park was able to secure a third term without any issues."

He continued, "There are those like Kim Jung-sook, wife of President Moon Jae-in, who are very active publicly," and added, "In such cases, the candidate's side might plan to increase public activities significantly."

Lee further elaborated, "Looking at past presidential spouses, Kim Ok-sook was different, Son Myung-soon was different, and Lee Hee-ho was different," explaining, "Lee Hee-ho herself was a social activist who actively engaged in women's movements, so such activities were highly prominent."

On the other hand, he said, "There have been those who ran elections in a so-called 'supportive' role," emphasizing, "This entirely depends on control, and there is no set rule on how a spouse's activities should be."

Regarding the previous day's (23rd) remark by candidate Lee, who said, "If there is wrongdoing, responsibility must be taken," in relation to the former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk scandal, Lee Jun-seok commented, "If he had said that during the Cho Kuk incident, the candidate would be in a different position now, where he wouldn't need to say it," adding, "People need to be consistent. The public won't think the candidate's current statement is sincere or progressive just because he didn't mention it then but does now."

He added, "Such moves might rather appear desperate and hasty, giving that impression."

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