Lee Jun-seok Leads Faction Rally... Kim Woong and Kim Jae-seop Say "Won't Join New Party"

"Even if Kim Jong-in offers to join, I can't"
Independent lawmaker Hwangbo Seung-hee also says "No consideration of joining the party"

Former People Power Party (PPP) leader Lee Jun-seok, who hinted at founding a new party, is mobilizing support networks and rallying his base. Meanwhile, PPP members from the non-Yoon faction, who were rumored to possibly join the new party, have been consecutively expressing their intention not to join. Following the declaration by incumbent lawmaker Kim Woong that he will not participate in the new party, Kim Jae-seop, the PPP Dobong-gap district chief and an external figure, also announced his decision to abstain.

Former People Power Party Leader Lee Jun-seok. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the 21st, Kim stated on CBS Radio, "As the Dobong-gap district chief holding membership in the People Power Party, I have promises to keep with the residents, so I intend to run under the PPP banner." When asked if he would join the new party if former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in proposed it, he firmly replied, "I cannot." Regarding the hypothetical scenario that "Lee Jun-seok's new party has higher approval ratings than the PPP," he said, "It can't be helped," adding, "That means the PPP needs to work harder."

Earlier, lawmaker Kim Woong also appeared on the same broadcast and expressed his refusal to join, saying, "Lee Jun-seok was the party leader but was ousted. Our party's lawmakers have not yet ousted me," and "I have no justification to move to the new party."

Independent lawmaker Hwang Bo-seung-hee, formerly of the PPP and noted for describing Lee Jun-seok's new party as a "political innovation," also stated on social media on the 22nd, "Reporters have asked me if I am joining Lee Jun-seok's new party or if I have received an invitation to join. I have never been offered membership nor have I considered joining."

The group known as 'Cheon-A-Yong-In' (Cheon Ha-ram, Heo Eun-ah, Kim Yong-tae, Lee Gi-in), classified as Lee Jun-seok's faction, appears to be aligning with his actions. Lee announced that on the 26th, he plans to visit Daegu with Cheon-A-Yong-In to meet supporters.

He posted on social media that "This Sunday at 2 PM, at Daegu EXCO, we plan to have an open dialogue about the future of South Korea, Daegu, and Gyeongsangbuk-do," adding, "The event is open to all ages and genders, and we aim to address your diverse concerns together. I will be joined by National Assembly member Heo Eun-ah, Suncheon-gap district chief Cheon Ha-ram, Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly member Lee Gi-in, and former Supreme Council member Kim Yong-tae."

However, among the four members of Cheon-A-Yong-In, none have clearly stated whether they will join the new party. On the 14th, district chief Cheon said on SBS Radio, "Since it involves leaving the party, it requires very careful consideration."

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