Lee Jun-seok "Park Geun-hye's political IQ is very high... She will deliver a sophisticated message"

by Yun Seulgi

Published 03 Jan.2022 08:30(KST)

Updated 03 Jan.2022 15:40(KST)

Lee Jun-seok on 'Park Geun-hye Pardon': "Yoon Failed to Deliver Timely and Appropriate Message"

On August 30, 2017, former President Park was seen leaving Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-dong, Seoul, after receiving treatment for a back condition. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Former President Park Geun-hye, who was released last month on the 31st through a special New Year's pardon, is expected to deliver a direct public message in early February. In this context, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, predicted, "She is a person with a very high level of political acumen, so she will deliver a highly sophisticated political message."

On the 2nd, Lee appeared on MBN's 'Jung Woon-gap's In-depth Analysis' and said, "I don't think former President Park will send a message that would significantly benefit or harm any particular candidate."

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party [Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party's presidential candidate's response to Park's pardon, Lee said, "When I first heard the news of the pardon and appeared in the media, I said that 'Our party still feels a strong sense of responsibility and remorse for the state corruption scandal.' If so, it was clear what message the candidate could deliver in line with that, but I don't think an appropriate message was delivered in a timely manner."

Earlier, on the 30th of last month during a visit to Daegu, candidate Yoon said, "If former President Park's health recovers, I would like to visit her once," and added, "I greatly welcome her release and think she should have been released a little earlier." At a debate hosted by the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club on the 28th of last month, Yoon said about Park, "Even if it was a duty as a public official during my time as a prosecutor, I personally feel deeply sorry politically and emotionally."

A citizen is purchasing the autobiography of former President Park Geun-hye, "Longing Does Not Happen to Just Anyone," at a large bookstore in downtown Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding variables in the presidential election just over two months away, Lee said, "Basically, I believe TV debates will become crucial. TV debates are always relative evaluations, and the public's expectations set the standard for whether a candidate performed better or worse than expected. If our candidate exceeds expectations by demonstrating understanding of policies and debating skills, I believe we will win decisively. However, if our candidate performs below expectations, it will be a difficult election," he said.