Lee Jun-seok: "If Han Dong-hoon stepped up early because of me, it was too soon"

YTN 'News King Park Jihoon' Interview
"Decline in Interest in New Party? Not Anxious"

Former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok, who hinted at forming a new party, commented on rumors of Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon running in the general election, saying, "If he entered the race early because of me, then it was too early." In an interview on the 24th with YTN Radio's 'News King Park Ji-hoon,' Lee responded to the assessment that the new party issue was overshadowed by Minister Han's candidacy rumors by saying, "I'm not particularly anxious."

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

Lee said, "Originally, when a new party expresses intent to form, there is a cycle where it briefly gains attention, then goes through a lull phase, then gains attention again when it actually forms, then again when people join, and interest rises as the election approaches."

He added, "However, Minister Han Dong-hoon's participation in the general election was a given, so the question was when to make use of that. If he entered the race to divert attention from the new party issue, then the timing was too early."

He explained, "Because physically, he is said to serve as minister until January, and what can be done as the Minister of Justice differs from what can be done outside the office," adding, "The kinds of events Minister Han can currently hold are limited to either aggressively questioning the government during parliamentary sessions or having supporters bring flower bouquets?these are basically the only scenarios."

He continued, "If Minister Han wants to engage in politics, he must follow his own schedule," and advised, "Those who call themselves strategists but have never run in an election act as consultants, telling him this date or that date is right and trying to set the timing. It would be better if they practiced fortune-telling instead."

Lee also recommended 'Chuncheon,' a constituency where Minister Han has ties, as a district for his general election candidacy. Lee said, "There are talks about placing him in Gangnam, but having local ties is very important for politicians," and added, "I think Chuncheon is a place where personal reputation can work and make it possible."

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