Lee Jeong-hyun "On Gaecheonjeol, Let's Empty Gwanghwamun Square... Moon Administration Using COVID-19 as Political Ploy"

Former lawmaker Lee Jung-hyun, who served as the leader of the Saenuri Party (currently the People Power Party). / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Amid some conservative groups expressing their intention to hold rallies using a 'drive-thru' method, former Saenuri Party (now People Power Party) leader and ex-lawmaker Lee Jung-hyun said on the 24th, "On this day when the sky is open, let us clear Gwanghwamun Square to reopen the sky of the Republic of Korea this National Foundation Day."

On that day, Lee posted on his Facebook, saying, "(The empty space in) Gwanghwamun will suck in the Moon Jae-in administration like a vacuum cleaner," expressing this view.

He added, "We must heed the words of the true person of this era, Joeun San. We need the wisdom to endure for the day we will rise resolutely, without giving the regime that exploits even the COVID-19 pandemic for political maneuvering any pretext."

He continued, "Let us join with the courage to clear Gwanghwamun Square on National Foundation Day without fear, doubt, or impatience. I sincerely offer this to the people," he added.

Earlier, 'Joeun San,' who drew public attention by posting the 'Seven Articles of Advice' on the Blue House's public petition board, emphasized in a blog post on the 12th, "Gwanghwamun on the autumn National Foundation Day will be truly beautiful because it must be temporarily set aside, and it will be even more precious to spend time with family."

He appealed for restraint in holding rallies, saying, "What is more precious than human life? One must live to speak. (The groups preparing the rally) please temporarily withdraw your intentions."