Yoon Seok-yeol Sends Congratulations to Lee Jun-seok... No Word Yet on Party Membership

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is applauding at the opening ceremony of Namsan Yejang Park in Seoul on the afternoon of the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Yoon Seok-yeol, a leading opposition presidential candidate and former Prosecutor General, is reported to have sent a congratulatory text message to Lee Jun-seok, the newly elected leader of the People Power Party.

On the 13th, Lee told a media outlet, "Former Prosecutor General Yoon sent a congratulatory message this morning." However, he said they did not discuss Yoon's potential entry into the People Power Party separately.

Lee said he replied to Yoon, "I will also continue to work hard for victory in the presidential election."

He added, "This is the first time I have had direct contact with former Prosecutor General Yoon," and described it as "a customary exchange of pleasantries."

Lee emphasized, "I am cautious because I intend not to specifically mention Yoon as a (presidential) candidate," and stressed, "I will maintain a principle of keeping a proper distance from all presidential candidates."

Lee has previously expressed in various media interviews that he hopes Yoon will join the party by August, when the opposition's presidential primary is expected to begin.

After being elected party leader at the party convention on the 11th, Lee also pointed out in an interview, "If Yoon does not decide to join by around August, it will be frustrating for the public."

Attention is focused on whether discussions regarding Yoon's party entry will accelerate now that Lee has begun direct communication with him following his election.