Lee Jun-seok "Photo of Yukmobangmangi Obviously Targeted Jeong Jin-seok"

Phone Interview with YTN Ahead of Returning to Korea

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, who is about to return home after visiting Ukraine, said in a phone interview with YTN that the photo of a spiked club he posted on social media (SNS) was aimed at Representative Jeong Jin-seok. He said, "Of course, it was aimed at him," and criticized, "If we are going to talk about seniors, let's elect party leaders in order of age from now on."

Earlier, on the 7th, Lee posted a photo on his SNS of a "spiked club-like iron mace" he received from Ukrainian lawmakers. Some interpreted this post as targeting Representative Jeong Jin-seok, known as a 'Yun core faction' member, who criticized Lee's visit to Ukraine and the Innovation Committee.

In response, Lee confirmed that the interpretation was correct. He added, "To put it bluntly, I always lightly satirize or twist things to avoid causing greater discord within the party."

Regarding criticism that he is engaging in "self-politics," Lee said, "For a party leader to engage in self-politics means gathering my own faction by calling party members together," and asked, "Have I ever done that since becoming party leader?" He continued, "I think Deputy Speaker Jeong Jin-seok made his remarks without knowing the full circumstances, and I am also puzzled how someone called a Yun core faction member could misunderstand the situation so badly and make such criticisms."

Lee addressed Representative Jeong on the same day, saying, "As a senior and elder, I say this: unlike the recent changes in the party, you are trying to dismiss me based on age," and added, "I only respond minimally after being attacked repeatedly while staying quiet. I do not strike first. If you make illogical criticisms without knowing such basic facts, I have no choice but to respond."

Regarding claims that he is trying to take control of the party through the Innovation Committee, Lee said, "If I intended to privatize power, I would have taken control of the local election nomination management committee, so why would I take control of the Innovation Committee?" He pointed out, "Those who know the full circumstances and say I am turning the party into a personal faction are basically saying 'I just dislike everything Lee Jun-seok does.'"

Lee and Representative Jeong have been exchanging heated arguments on SNS since the 6th over the Ukraine visit schedule, the composition of the Innovation Committee, and reforms to the party's nomination system.

Lee is scheduled to return on the 9th and meet President Yoon Seok-yeol to report on his visit to Ukraine.

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