Ju Ho-young: "'Moonppa' Launches Focused Attacks When Ignored, Lee Nak-yeon Likely Has Concerns"

Published 02 Sep.2020 09:20(KST)

Lee Nak-yeon, the new leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (right), is greeting Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the United Future Party, by bumping fists at the floor leader's office in the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, said on the 2nd about Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, "In a situation where he is under concentrated attack if he opposes 'Moonppa' (a derogatory term for people who blindly support President Moon Jae-in), I wonder how much conviction he can have."

In an interview with YTN Radio's 'Start New Morning' on the same day, Floor Leader Joo said, "Given the power dynamics within the Democratic Party, I wonder how much conviction Leader Lee can have. If he is attacked by 'Moonppa' and becomes estranged, it could be disadvantageous in next year's presidential candidate election," he said.

He added, "Leader Lee has excellent character and is indeed a parliamentarian," but also said, "I think Leader Lee has concerns because of 'Moonppa.' Therefore, it is very important to see what path Leader Lee takes from the beginning, and I am watching with interest."

He continued, "Leader Lee often emphasizes cooperation and has shown the attitude of a parliamentarian in many places, so there is some expectation," but added, "President Moon Jae-in emphasizes cooperation whenever there is an opportunity, but his actual attitude and actions are quite the opposite. While there is some hope, there is also concern that 'what if' might turn into 'as expected.'"