Lee Jun-seok "I Will Properly Do My Own Politics... The Past Year Was Successful"

Lee Jun-seok, People Power Party Leader, Holds 1st Anniversary Meeting at National Assembly on 12th

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at a press conference marking his first anniversary in office, held on the afternoon of the 12th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Bomryeong Geum, Hyunji Kwon] Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, who marked his first year in office, said, "Now I will properly engage in my own politics."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 12th to commemorate his first anniversary in office, Lee said, "I will reflect my opinions more to create a world, policies, and party that I believe are right."

He added, "The process will be democratic, and my colors will become stronger," and "I will express myself confidently and work to create a just world."

This appears to be a rejection of the 'early resignation theory' circulating within the party. Although the party's Ethics Committee is scheduled to decide on disciplinary action on the 24th regarding Lee's 'sexual bribery' allegations, he seems determined to confront the issue head-on.

Lee emphasized, "I suffered too much personal damage while carrying out public goals, such as winning the presidential and local elections," and "From now on, I will question such things, engage in debates confidently, and strive to change the world in the right direction."

He described his first year in office as 'successful.' He explained, "I believe I have already successfully fulfilled the role given to me over the past year," adding, "When I became party leader, I knew that many party members and the public expected regime change, and I thought that was the top priority. I have been running tirelessly with that in mind, including maintaining the regime's momentum through local election victories. Meanwhile, I have also worked hard to keep various reform tasks and pledges made during the party convention." Representative examples include selecting party spokespersons through debate battles and requiring public office candidates to pass the Basic Qualification Assessment (PPAT).

Lee also asserted, "I firmly say that the past year, when I acted as an election commander for the victory of the people and party members, and the coming year will be very different," adding, "Leadership during wartime and peacetime is different. Until now, we have established our party system while competing and fighting with other parties externally, but now the task ahead is how to provide stable support for state affairs as the ruling party."

Regarding criticism related to candidate nominations, Lee expressed his conviction. He said, "People who say, 'The next party leader will handle nominations, so why set the rules now?' are thinking in a way that goes against the spirit of the times," raising his voice, "I hope they do not make such complacent remarks unless they intend to destroy the new opportunity built over five years through impeachment and nomination turmoil."

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