Lee Jun-seok Rejects Calls to Resign as Party Leader: "I Have Not Considered It at All"

"The party leader's position is decided by the party leader"
"Candidate Yoon will take responsibility if he loses the presidential election"

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, is applauding Chairman Choi Tae-won of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his New Year's greeting at the 2022 Economic Community New Year's Meeting held on the 4th at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 5th that he has "not considered at all" the resignation demands raised within the party.

On the same day, Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "When Lee Jun-seok was (in the election campaign committee), he was passed over, and when he is not, they ask 'Why did you leave?' and 'Come back.' I don't know which tune to dance to," he said.

He added, "People can express opinions about my position, but I am the one who decides," and said, "Under normal circumstances, even if someone says, 'We will create an environment for the party leader to work. Please come back,' it would not be enough. The intentions of those who escalate emotions by making trivial remarks must clearly be somewhere."

Regarding some lawmakers stepping down from party positions to pressure his position, Lee said, "Since I appoint party positions, the party leader's position is decided by the party leader," and added, "If there are people who judge this for the party, I will respect that and fill the vacancies again."

Lee also expressed concern over presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol's breakup with Kim Jong-in, the general election campaign committee chairman, and the subsequent dismantling of the campaign committee.

When asked, "What do you think about (Candidate Yoon) excluding Chairman Kim?" he said, "Many people think that he excluded Chairman Kim. But in the end, it seems that things did not go well for them."

Lee said, "Regarding Chairman Kim's position, he announced his voluntary resignation today, but Chairman Kim's intention is important. Those who want to have him on board should approach with a very humble attitude," and added, "Whether or not to receive his assistance, and whether or not they are ready to receive it, is very important, so I am somewhat concerned."

Also, in response to the host's remark that "If Candidate Yoon loses the election, criticism will pour down on you (Lee), and it could become politically difficult," Lee asserted, "If we lose the presidential election, the party leader takes responsibility."

Regarding the party's election campaign committee reform plan, he said, "I haven't heard anything. I only know through the media that something is going on," and added, "Since I don't seem to be the subject of discussion or consultation anyway, I have been sleeping comfortably."

Finally, Lee evaluated Candidate Yoon, saying, "Compared to the qualities the candidate currently has, he is not showing much charm," and added, "Having met the candidate several times, I believe he can do better than now."

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