Lee Jun-seok: "Na Kyung-won is similar to conservative YouTubers who trade in extreme language"

Candidate Lee Jun-seok, who is running for the leader of the People Power Party, is preparing for a debate at the People Power Party's 1st National Convention 'Oreun Sori Debate' held at the Baekbeom Kim Koo Memorial Hall in Hyochang-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 8th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim So-young] Lee Jun-seok, a candidate challenging for the People Power Party leadership election, criticized Na Kyung-won, another candidate, who said "the Lee Jun-seok risk is already becoming a reality," by saying, "It seems like she is trying to activate the frame of 'everything is Lee Jun-seok's fault.'"

On the 9th, Lee appeared on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Start of a New Morning' and said, "The way candidate Na headlines is similar to conservative YouTubers," adding, "She is showing behavior at the party convention that is no different from doing business with extreme terms like exclusive, scoop, finally uncovered, and the end of the Moon Jae-in administration whenever something happens."

He stated, "Many citizens have seen my speeches, and I am someone who continuously sends messages about unification, so trying to label me with theories like excluding Yoon Seok-youl is really absurd, no matter the election."

He continued, "Those people really like conservative YouTubers who say 'everything in the world is a behind-the-scenes plot by Kim Moo-sung and Yoo Seung-min,'" and added, "YouTubers might enjoy and play with such conspiracy theories, but how can you hold a party convention with such conspiracy theories?"

He also said, "Former President Yoon is not involved in any heinous crimes, so there is no way to block his party membership," and emphasized, "Because fair competition is guaranteed, if he joins the party, he can naturally participate in the presidential primary and play an excellent role. My official position is that anyone who wants to join our party and run in the presidential election can do so."

Meanwhile, Lee said, "Basically, it seems that I am running a favorable election this time," but added, "I believe it is more important to create a certain election culture than to win or lose."

He said, "I did not conduct an organizational election this time, nor did I set up a large campaign. I did not even rent an office in Yeouido, nor did I just issue appointment letters to campaign members. I hope to help create an 'election culture without indebtedness' and wish for good results."

Regarding concerns that the merger could be delayed due to his 'bad relationship' with Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, he said, "If I become the party leader, my relationship with Ahn will be primarily a public one," adding, "My home and Ahn Cheol-soo's home are only 1 km apart. Therefore, we can meet in the neighborhood and talk closely. I will talk with Ahn and other unification parties regardless of formality or location."