Sangmin Lee: "Going to People Power Party? Nothing Decided... Conclusion by Early Next Month"

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, said he would "set up a 'super big tent' with those who are thinking about the country's progressive future," while Lee Sang-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who mentioned a 'pleasant breakup,' is speculated to possibly join the People Power Party. However, Lee stated, "Nothing has been decided."

On the 21st, Lee said on KBS special KBS '1 Radio Today,' "I haven't decided anything at all; I was just speaking generally."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Lee had left open the possibility of joining the People Power Party on a radio program, drawing political attention to whether he would join. However, he clarified that leaving the possibility open was merely a general statement. He said, "By early December, that is, about ten days ago, I decided I would determine within a month whether I would remain in the Democratic Party or leave," adding, "I plan to reach a conclusion by early December," indicating that his decision on his political future will be made in early next month.

On the same day, Lee was scheduled to give a presentation on 'Problems and Reform Measures of Korean Politics' to the People Power Party Innovation Committee at KAIST in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, his electoral district. There is speculation that he might receive an 'offer to join' while meeting with Innovation Committee Chairman In Yo-han. However, Lee said, "I don't think that will happen," and explained, "That meeting is purely for me to share my views on the People Power Party, the direction it should take, its flaws and limitations, and what I hope the Innovation Committee will undertake."

He added, "I want this to be a good shock not only for the People Power Party but also for the Democratic Party and other parties, and a good opportunity to upgrade Korean politics. Discussions about my political future are completely inappropriate in this context."

Lee also revealed that his feelings remain complicated regarding whether to leave or stay in the Democratic Party. He said, "Since the Lee Jae-myung leadership has become stronger and it is now known as Lee Jae-myung's party, or even the 'Gaeddal' party, I think it would be better for both sides if I seek a new path rather than continue causing discord and fighting within the party," adding, "While I think a pleasant breakup would be appropriate, on the other hand, I started in 2004 with the Uri Party and have now reached my fifth term. I cannot shake off my affection and sense of belonging to the Democratic Party."

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