Lee Jun-seok "Yoon Camp Lacks Ethics"... Kim Jae-won "Where Is the Greater Cause?"

Published 26 Jul.2021 10:48(KST)

Updated 26 Jul.2021 11:19(KST)

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party (left), is conversing with Kim Jae-won, Supreme Council member, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 22nd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] On the 25th, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, publicly criticized some party members who joined former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's campaign, prompting Kim Jae-won, a Supreme Council member, to retort, "It is against party ethics for the party leader to attack a presidential candidate within the same camp."

Earlier, Lee posted on his Facebook, stating, "When advertising products on YouTube, it is basic courtesy to disclose sponsorship," and criticized, "If individuals affiliated with a specific campaign broadcasted as if neutral, party ethics have fallen to the ground."

Although he did not mention names, he said, "I am speaking while watching a live broadcast on Channel A where people from Yoon's campaign sit on both sides and comment," leading to speculation that he was targeting former lawmaker Lee Du-a and political commentator Jang Ye-chan, who appeared as panelists on that broadcast. Both were appointed as campaign spokesperson and youth special advisor, respectively, on the same day.

Lee expressed discomfort, saying, "The party will request broadcasting companies to maintain neutrality and objectivity going forward," and added, "The industry already knows when those appointed today started working for the campaign, so I hope each person feels some conscience pangs."

In response, Supreme Council member Kim wrote on his Facebook, "I find it difficult to agree with Leader Lee's criticism of our party members' unfairness participating in Yoon's campaign, given my position hoping for a regime change," and explained, "I am not supporting Yoon personally, but I believe he is necessary as a tool for regime change, so I want us to move forward together."

He added, "It would be better to say, 'Now that our people are helping, let's join the party and embark on the great journey of regime change together,' so I really wonder why there is a need for such hostile criticism," and continued, "Where has the cause of regime change gone? The more I think about it, the more frustrating it becomes."

Meanwhile, this is not the first time the two have shown opposing stances. Most recently, when Lee compared Yoon to 'the carrot in bibimbap,' Kim responded, "Treating the presidential candidate with the highest approval rating (Yoon) as just a garnish on bibimbap is unhelpful."