Lee Jun-seok, Who Announced a 'Nationwide Tour,' Reveals His True Intentions

Announcing Nationwide Party Member Meetings and Rallying Three Factions
Also Issued Third Party Membership Encouragement Message
"Displaying Presence... Intent to Politically Survive"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, who broke his silence and announced the resumption of his activities, revealed plans to travel nationwide to meet party members. There is an interpretation that his avoidance of direct response to the party ethics committee's disciplinary decision and focus on consolidating the faction is intended to prepare for a long-term battle, including the next party leadership.

On the 14th, Lee posted a 'Party Member Meeting Application' on Facebook, signaling an expansion of his activities nationwide. He wrote, "About 4,000 meeting applications came in overnight," and "I will first visit basic local governments where more than 20 people have applied." On the 17th, he sent his third message encouraging party membership, saying, "Saturday is a good day to join the party."

Since the disciplinary decision by the party ethics committee, all of Lee's messages have emphasized 'party members.' On the 12th, he reportedly showed his determination to recruit party members by having a meal with three young members of the People Power Party's Gwangju branch. One young attendee told Asia Economy on the 15th, "I received a message that morning to meet (Lee)," and "He said we need to recruit many party members." He also publicly disclosed his visit to Mudeungsan in Gwangju, emphasizing the 'Westward Policy,' a strategy to expand the conservative faction.

On the other hand, he has not made any particular statements regarding the internal party conflicts or the disciplinary decision by the party ethics committee. This is quite different from his stance immediately after the disciplinary decision, when he announced he would not step down as party leader and would respond head-on. It is known that Lee did not submit any documents by the 17th, the deadline for requesting a retrial by the ethics committee.

This has led to interpretations that Lee has shifted to a long-term plan. He is focusing on consolidating the faction while keeping the possibility of challenging for the next party leadership open. It is noteworthy that in recent polls, Lee ranked first in suitability as party leader. Even if Lee does not actually run again, he inevitably becomes a burden for other prospective party leaders. If Lee maintains political presence as a casting vote, it will be unavoidable for others to align with him.

Jang Sung-chul, director of the Public Opinion Center, analyzed Lee's actions, saying, "First of all, he wants to survive politically," and "After escaping the crisis, he will consider his next political choice."

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