Lee Jun-seok "Senior Members Must Devote Themselves... Kim Tae-ho Has No Justification to Run in Hometown"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Lee Jun-seok, Supreme Council Member of the United Future Party, emphasized the need for dedication from senior members or party leader-level presidential candidates. He criticized former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Tae-ho's insistence on running in his hometown, saying it "lacks justification."

On the 21st, Supreme Council Member Lee appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" and said, "If senior members of the party or party leader-level presidential candidates keep trying to go somewhere warm, like somewhere south of the Han River in Seoul or the seaside of Busan, party members and the public will criticize them." This appears to refer to moves to run in the Gangnam area or Busan-Gyeongnam (PK) region, where the United Future Party shows strong support.

Regarding former leader Hong Joon-pyo's statement that he would run as an independent or retire from politics if not nominated, Lee said, "To win an election, we believe in two gods: dedication and innovation," adding, "At least senior members must show dedication." About former Governor Kim, he said, "Kim and former leader Hong claim that there are difficult constituencies even within PK," and "If they can reasonably persuade others about those parts, that could be a variable, but running in their hometowns does not seem to be a valid justification in the current situation."

When asked about the intention behind a photo showing lawmaker Lee Hye-hoon viewing a text message related to her cut-off, Lee said, "I cannot judge what urgent decisions individual politicians make at certain moments, but Lee has never leaked private conversations before," adding, "I see it as an accidental situation rather than intentional."

Regarding whether lawmaker Yoo Seung-min's withdrawal from public appearances implies pressure over nominations, Lee responded, "Personnel reform is a necessary condition for election victory, and as a party unification participant and senior lawmaker, Yoo's decision to step back is part of personnel reform," adding, "However, there should be a consensus that the nomination management committee must take decisive actions accordingly."

On lawmaker Lee Eon-ju's recent revelation about strategic nominations, Lee said, "If it becomes public that the nomination management committee is pre-selecting and announcing candidates unofficially, the system itself will collapse," adding, "Spreading unofficial announcements to gain an advantage in the nomination process, including such acts, is something Chairman Kim Hyung-o is trying to restore authority over."