[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] Former Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, Lee Jun-seok, praised the young politicians of the Democratic Party of Korea as a "formidable force" and emphasized the need to nurture young talent.
Today (the 6th), former Supreme Council Member Lee Jun-seok posted on his Facebook, "I have frequently appeared on broadcasts with young politicians from the Democratic Party, so I believe I have somewhat grasped each of their characteristics." He added, "Setting aside the shortcomings I felt, I will list their strengths: Jang Kyung-tae has confidence, Kim Nam-guk has diligence, Park Sung-min has expressiveness, and Lee Dong-hak has decisiveness." Jang Kyung-tae was born in 1983, Kim Nam-guk and Lee Dong-hak in 1982, and Park Sung-min in 1996; they are currently the leading young figures in the Democratic Party's youth politics.
Former Supreme Council Member Lee said, "Perhaps this evaluation is possible because I have encountered them in various settings," and added, "Sometimes I have been sharply challenged by them, and this is the evaluation I give." He also noted, "Although the conservative camp might be harsh in evaluating these young talents from the Democratic Party due to differing views," he praised, "Kim Nam-guk is someone who studies and prepares diligently on all matters," and "Jang Kyung-tae has extensive experience in party activities, is well-versed in party affairs, and exudes confidence."
Lee Jun-seok, former Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, described the young politicians of the Democratic Party of Korea as a "formidable force."
He continued, "Even if it sometimes seems like they are defending the Moon Jae-in administration’s policies due to the administration’s flawed direction, once the government regains its senses, the regime changes, or the presidential candidates are properly established, these young figures will no longer need to defend the Moon administration’s mistakes and can transform into a formidable force," he emphasized. Former Supreme Council Member Lee also explained, "Although political interest among young people may be focused on our side, the young politicians of the Democratic Party who are preparing from the grassroots level are numerically far superior."
He expressed concern, saying, "Throughout the party convention, criticisms from opposing candidates questioning whether young people can succeed have been continuously broadcast, which is worrisome." This statement was made in response to attacks from other candidates citing lack of experience during the People Power Party’s next party leader election, and can be interpreted as a conclusion to highlight the necessity of him becoming party leader as a young figure.
At the end of his post, he questioned, "After the party convention ends, who in our party can compete against those figures from the Democratic Party, discover issues relevant to young people, and continue to lead?" He also reiterated, "If I become the leader, I will promptly select talented individuals who can face them competitively and appear on broadcasts," and "The presidential election is already near, and there is no time to waste."
Some analysts interpret former Supreme Council Member Lee’s remarks as an attempt to highlight the potential of young ruling party politicians, defend against criticisms from senior party candidates regarding his lack of experience and seniority, and emphasize that he is the suitable candidate for party leader.
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