[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Ju-hee] Lee Jun-seok, a candidate for the party leader, commented on former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in's statement that he has "no confidence" in Yoon Seok-yeol, the former Prosecutor General who is considered a leading opposition presidential candidate, saying, "That is Chairman Kim's style."
In an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Jong-dae's News Up' on the 10th, Lee explained, "Just because Chairman Kim said somewhat uncomfortable things about former Prosecutor General Yoon does not mean there is a problem with fairness. He is someone who dislikes almost everyone."
Earlier, Chairman Kim said on Gwangju MBC Radio's 'Hwang Dong-hyun's Focus' when asked about former Prosecutor General Yoon, "I do not talk about people I am not confident about one way or another."
Regarding this, Lee said, "Chairman Kim tends to say 'I dislike' more often than 'I really like' when it comes to people," adding, "As a senior figure, he specializes in giving timely advice and criticism."
For example, "During the Seoul mayoral by-election, when Na Kyung-won and Oh Se-hoon both stepped forward, Chairman Kim said, 'Neither of them is suitable; someone in their 40s who understands the economy should run,'" Lee explained. "When someone asked if it was okay to criticize our candidate, that was Chairman Kim expressing his ideal candidate vision."
He continued, "Later, when Oh Se-hoon became the candidate, Chairman Kim helped him more than anyone else, pushing through with determination to make him mayor," adding, "Chairman Kim does not dislike former Prosecutor General Yoon, nor is he trying to promote anyone. There is no need for misunderstanding."
Lee also dismissed rumors about Chairman Kim being a 'shadow king,' saying, "He is someone who cannot be a shadow king," and "He has never given me such orders or anything like that."
When asked if he communicates with Chairman Kim, Lee said, "We regularly communicate once or twice a month."
When asked what advice he received about the party leader election, he said, "I don't think he considered me a leading candidate at that time, so he didn't talk much about the party leader," adding, "I was a bit disappointed that he didn't help much in the early stages of the campaign."
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