Lee Jun-seok "Apologize for Neglecting Responsibility as Party Leader... 'Lee Jun-seok Countermeasure Committee' Is Also Not Right"

What Is the Grand Strategy for Election Victory?
One Unconvincing Justification
Cannot Gain Support from the Young Generation

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, is answering reporters' questions as he leaves the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on January 5, 2022. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] On the 6th, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, attended a party meeting where a resolution urging his resignation was passed and apologized for his recent remarks and behavior. Lee said, "If there is anything that Lee Jun-seok needs to change, I will comply with all of it," and added, "If we win this presidential election, I will have no regrets."

During his remarks at the party meeting that afternoon, Lee said, "I thought that after stepping down as the standing election committee chairman and only talking about reorganizing the election committee from outside, a new direction would naturally be set without me, and I could support the candidate while performing my duties as party leader," adding, "But if my expectation was wrong, I apologize to the members here today for neglecting my responsibilities." He also added, "On the other hand, I want to ask, the activities mockingly called the 'Lee Jun-seok Countermeasure Committee' over the past two to three weeks were also not right."

He repeatedly apologized for his remarks describing presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol’s subway greeting on his way to work as a "practice problem." He said it was a term like a "silk pouch," and apologized if it caused offense. He explained, "In a situation where media attention is high, the joint campaign activities between the candidate and me could have been visible, so you would understand my intention," and added, "If it did not sound as I intended, it was my fault for not expressing it accurately." However, he said, "It is embarrassing from my position to think that my intention was bad."

Lee persuaded the members by raising awareness about the current situation where Yoon’s approval ratings have sharply declined. He emphasized, "The reason we are currently struggling with approval ratings among the younger generation is because we are only presenting a single justification that does not resonate with them," and added, "With about 60 days left until the election, I am continuously shouting here today about what the grand strategy for election victory is." He also said, "If the members agree at today’s party meeting and order Lee Jun-seok’s return, I will return to any position designated to me," but added, "However, that method will never secure the support of the younger generation necessary for winning the presidential election."

Near the end of his speech, Lee tearfully said, "I want each and every member here to think that if we lose the election, the party will be dissolved, and to think only about that." Finally, Lee urged, "Please make brave suggestions to the candidate and fight together for victory," and requested, "Do not fight with the support base, do not fight with Lee Jun-seok, do not fight with the candidate, but fight against our bad image."

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