Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Meets Kwon Seong-dong: "The Party Will Discuss and Decide Properly"

Lee Ethics Committee's Severe Disciplinary Decision Followed by Private Meeting
Yoon Seems to Distance Himself Aware of Declining Approval Ratings
"Presidential Secretariat Should Not Comment on Party Affairs"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Lee Jin-bok, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Presidential Office, held a private meeting with Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, on the 8th. The meeting drew attention as it took place immediately after the decision on the severe disciplinary action against party leader Lee Jun-seok, but Lee cautioned against overinterpretation, saying, "There have been other party affairs regardless of the disciplinary action."

After the meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee told reporters when asked about his stance on the severe disciplinary action against Lee, "I don't think it is appropriate for the Presidential Secretariat to comment on the party's situation," adding, "Since you are all in the party, I believe you will discuss it well and make a decision." This aligns with President Yoon Seok-yeol's remark on his way to work that "As president, I always say it is not appropriate to comment on party affairs."

He also added, "The president is a general party member. It might appear inappropriate as if he can make some decisions." This is interpreted as an intention to distance the president from internal party conflicts, including the Lee Jun-seok case, amid the recent significant decline in presidential approval ratings.

Lee was also reserved about the content of the meeting with floor leader Kwon. He explained, "I did not talk much about this case (Lee's disciplinary action)," and said, "We only discussed how the party's Ethics Committee's decision and procedures would proceed. There will be procedures according to the party's constitution and regulations." Regarding Kwon, he said, "He is very cautious with his words. He will gather various opinions within the party and make a decision based on the collected content," adding, "He must be deeply concerned."

Lee said, "There are procedures and past cases that have been handled. There are many such cases," and added, "This is not a party created overnight; it has a career and history, so I believe they will resolve this matter well."

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