Lee Jun-seok Targets Jeong Jin-seok... "Restrain Yourself, Don't Cheer for Russia"

Analysis Suggests Criticism Targeted at Himself
Lee Representative Points Out "It's Opportunism to Support Russia Now"

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, who is visiting Ukraine, issued a statement urging people to "exercise restraint" as controversies surrounding him continue.

On the 7th, Lee stated on his Facebook, "While I am in Ukraine, many people in Korea are making statements that echo Russia's position, which has angered Ukrainian politicians."

He continued, "I am here in Ukraine, but people in Korea are making statements that differ from the position of the South Korean government, causing diplomatic difficulties for the government. I am fully aware of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and government positions and am acting within that scope, so it is puzzling that only pro-Russian comments are coming out in Korea," he pointed out.

Lee also emphasized, "Even the position of our only ally, the United States, is likely to send messages for peace in Ukraine rather than echoing Russia. Everyone should exercise restraint."

This is analyzed as a response to dissatisfaction raised within his party regarding his visit to Ukraine. Lee departed for Ukraine on the 3rd as part of the Korea-Ukraine Freedom and Peace Solidarity Special Delegation. However, regarding this, Jeong Jin-seok, a five-term senior lawmaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, criticized on the previous day, saying, "I looked into the circumstances of the ruling party leader going to Ukraine, which is at war with Russia. Most key officials in the government and Blue House's foreign and security sectors were reluctant," and added, "If Lee's visit to Ukraine is nothing more or less than self-political maneuvering, it is a serious problem." Along with this, Deputy Speaker Jeong said, "We must not ignore the humanitarian disaster caused by the war. Even so, it is difficult to take sides with either party," and explained, "Russia's cooperation for peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula remains a crucial issue for us."

On the same day, Lee responded on another Facebook post, "During the presidential election period, when the party building was lit with the Ukrainian flag and a resolution condemning Russia was passed, no one said anything. Now, suddenly echoing Russia is opportunistic and testing the waters," he retorted.

Meanwhile, on the 5th (local time), after an on-site inspection in Bucha, Ukraine, Lee said at a briefing, "I came to find out exactly what we can do for Ukraine. When I return, I plan to report to President Yoon Seok-yeol the next day," and added, "There is much that South Korea can support in the reconstruction projects."

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