What is the reason for Lee Jun-seok's disappearance? "It's no different from accepting the disciplinary action" vs "Taking a breather before counterattack"

Lee's Claim of "Ethics Committee Rehearing and Suspension" Remains Unaddressed for a Week
"Already Accepted Discipline" and "Preparing Before Public Opinion Campaign" Interpretations Vary

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Yunjin Kim] Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, who was disciplined with a '6-month suspension of party membership rights' by the party's Central Ethics Committee on suspicion of instructing the destruction of evidence related to sexual bribery, has maintained apparent silence for a week. Attention is focused on whether Lee, who strongly opposed the Ethics Committee's decision, will accept the disciplinary action.

Since receiving the disciplinary action on the 8th, Lee has not made any remarks about it. While his duties as party leader are suspended, he has occasionally encouraged party membership through social networking services (SNS) or shared news of visits to places such as Mudeungsan in Gwangju. After expressing opposition in an interview on the day the Ethics Committee's decision was announced, saying, "I have no choice but to raise objections to the fairness of the Ethics Committee," he has remained silent.

Initially, Lee indicated his intention to request a retrial from the Ethics Committee or file an injunction to suspend the effect of the disciplinary action in court. According to Article 26 of the People Power Party Ethics Committee regulations, a retrial request can be made within 10 days from the date of notification of the disciplinary decision. Lee's deadline to request a retrial is the 17th. Political commentator Jong-hoon Lee analyzed, "Since he has expressed his intention directly, it is highly likely he will request a retrial. He may think it necessary to do so in preparation for a possible dismissal of charges in the investigation."

However, many believe that even if a retrial is requested while the Ethics Committee remains in place, the conclusion will not change. Professor Emeritus Seungham Yang of Yonsei University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy said, "The Ethics Committee can impose disciplinary action if it judges that the party's dignity has been damaged, regardless of the investigation results. From the Ethics Committee's perspective, it was a reasonable decision," and assessed that the likelihood of the request being accepted is low.

If an injunction to suspend the effect is filed and dismissed, a backlash such as increased calls for Lee's resignation is expected. Kim Yong-tae, a senior member of the People Power Party and close aide to Lee, said on the 14th on SBS Radio's 'Kim Taehyun's Political Show,' "Many party insiders seem to be advising Lee not to file an injunction. They appear to be considering the possible scenarios if it is not granted," adding, "He is contemplating whether to file the injunction and, in connection with that, has not yet decided whether to accept the disciplinary action."

Inside and outside the party, voices are growing that Lee should accept the Ethics Committee's decision. On the 14th, Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, appeared on YTN and said, "Since a week has passed after the disciplinary action and Lee has not shown the reaction the media expected, it is interpreted that he has accepted the Ethics Committee's decision," advising, "It would be better to accept the decision of the party's official body, even if it is painful." Former floor leader Na Kyung-won also pointed out on the 12th on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "A wise politician would not oppose the decision."

However, Lee is focusing on meeting with party members. On the 14th, through his Facebook, he stated, "While touring regions, I plan to meet and talk with party members whenever possible," announcing his intention to promote meetings with party members nationwide. On the 12th, he reportedly visited Gwangju and met with three young local party members.

Regarding this, Professor Emeritus Yang explained, "It is almost as if he has accepted the disciplinary action now. Since the police investigation results have not yet come out, he has to be cautious in his words and actions," adding, "It is reasonable to restrain himself for the time being as advised by those around him and seek to restore his honor when he is cleared of charges." On the other hand, there is also an analysis that Lee has begun preparing for a full-scale public opinion battle by rallying his support base. Political commentator Jong-hoon Lee speculated, "This is a breathing phase before a turning point. Until now, he has been shaping public opinion to nullify the Ethics Committee's decision, but now he will likely launch an offensive by raising issues that 'Yunhakkwan' (pro-Yoon faction) exerted influence on the investigation."

Meanwhile, the People Power Party officially endorsed Kwon Seong-dong's acting party leader system through a party members' meeting on the 11th. At the morning supreme council meeting that day, Kwon, acting party leader and floor leader, said, "Although the party leader is currently suspended from duties, the clock of innovation in our party will not stop," adding, "I believe Lee will also join the path of innovation wherever he is."

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