Lee Jun-seok, on Signs of Internal Conflict over 'Jeonjangyeon Protest': "Yoon's Office Will Suffer More Damage"

Disagreement Between Some Top Officials in Private High-Level Meeting
Transition Team Meets with Jeonjangyeon Group Today, Conveys "Will Review" Intention

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, is giving a greeting during the pressure interview of the People Power Party spokesperson selection debate battle "2022 I am the National Representative" held at the central party office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 28th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jeong-wan] Amid criticism within the party over Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, criticizing the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon), Lee has maintained a consistent stance, saying, "There is nothing more damaging than the relocation of the presidential office."

On the morning of the 28th, Lee reportedly expressed differing opinions with some Supreme Council members regarding the Jeonjangyeon protests during a closed Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly.

Some members pointed out that Lee's actions could negatively affect the June 1 local elections.

In response, Lee retorted, "This is an issue fighting done in my personal capacity, not on behalf of the party."

Supreme Council member Jung Mi-kyung expressed concern about Lee appearing to clash with socially vulnerable groups, asking, "Why pick a fight with a disability organization of all people?"

Supreme Council member Jo Su-jin also urged Lee to refrain from making remarks related to persons with disabilities, saying, "Isn't the People Power Party putting forward solidarity with the vulnerable as a key message?"

On the other hand, Lee reportedly defended himself by saying, "There is nothing more damaging than the issue of relocating the presidential office."

This is interpreted as meaning that the emerging division of public opinion over President-elect Yoon Seok-youl's plan to move the presidential office to Yongsan is a bigger problem.

Earlier that day, Kim Ye-ji, a visually impaired member of the People Power Party, met with Jeonjangyeon members protesting at Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3 and knelt down to apologize, saying, "As a politician, I deeply feel responsible."

Meanwhile, today (29th), Im Eui-ja and Kim Do-sik, members leading the Social, Cultural, and Welfare Subcommittee of the Transition Committee, met with the Jeonjangyeon group and conveyed, "Please refrain from causing various inconveniences to citizens," while also expressing willingness to "consider" the proposals requested by Jeonjangyeon.

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