[Interview] Lee Jun-seok "I Speak Up Because I Understand Economic Democracy Well... Now It's Time to Emphasize Growth"

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

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[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, indirectly rebutted the evaluation by former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in on the 27th, who said, "It seems there is a misunderstanding of economic democratization." While he agrees with the purpose of economic democratization, he believes that growth is more necessary than economic democratization at this time.

Regarding economic democratization, Lee said, "How many times have I met and had meals with former Chairman Kim? You know that I understand (economic democratization)." Earlier, Kim had mentioned in a broadcast interview that "(Lee) seems to have misunderstood economic democratization." This was a response to Lee's past statement that he did not agree with 'Kim Jong-in-style economic democratization.'

Lee explained, "I agree with former Chairman Kim's definition of economic democratization, that is, the idea that the fruits of economic growth should be distributed democratically," but added, "I was saying that we have different thoughts on how to implement that." He said, "I believe the trend in South Korea has come to a time where growth is flowing again," and continued, "If the process of finding answers on how to distribute during a period of stagnant growth lasted for 10 years since 2012, now we are feeling that social conflicts deepen if growth does not occur, so it is time to emphasize growth, and economic democratization will somewhat subside."

He also countered controversies surrounding meritocracy. Lee said, "I think former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon’s criticism of meritocracy can fall into self-contradiction," and added, "Is the success of the debater Jin Professor due to academic background or merit? Anyone can see that he succeeded by merit, so denying this makes no sense." He said, "Within the framework of meritocracy, one can discuss how merit is defined and that the criteria for evaluating merit should not be one-sided, but denying meritocracy itself is meaningless." He continued, "Would we implement patronage by distributing positions through connections or a hereditary system? Denying meritocracy without alternatives is contradictory."

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

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He went on, "There is a hypothesis that if meritocracy is implemented, people like Jeong Yu-ra would rise, but if such a hypothesis is made, it must be proven, and there is no way to prove it," adding, "While wealth may influence horse riding because it involves buying horses, debate battles only require having a mouth."

Regarding the National Assembly’s operation, he expressed agreement with the opposition party’s demand for the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee but also shared the opinion that a different approach should be taken for the opposition party’s share of the vice-chairmanship of the National Assembly. Lee said, "We need to consult with the floor leadership," but added, "It is appropriate to link the standing committee issue with the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, but the vice-chairman issue should be considered more progressively." He said, "The Constitution stipulates one chairman and two vice-chairmen of the National Assembly, so I think this part should be adjusted according to the Constitution," and added, "This could be a point of compromise." Previously, the People Power Party had rejected recommending the vice-chairman of the National Assembly in protest against the ruling party’s refusal to give the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee to the opposition party.

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