At Jeonbuk Provincial Office Rally, "Democratic Party and People Power Party Are the Same"
Lee Jun-seok, People Power Party Leader, Targeted with "Smells Like Milk" 'Harsh Words'
"Gwanghwamun Rally Participants Mainly Churchgoers" New Party Formation Announced Last May
Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church is urging the Seoul city government to halt the church eviction enforcement and conduct a full review during a press conference held near Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on the morning of April 20. / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] "We have already been deceived by the Moon Jae-in administration, but if we get fooled again by the inexperienced Lee Jun-seok, South Korea is finished!"
Recently, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who declared the formation of a new party, unleashed a barrage of harsh words toward both ruling and opposition parties. Previously, Pastor Jeon had shown a strong conservative stance by attending a far-right group rally on Liberation Day last year and criticizing the Democratic Party of Korea. However, when voices from the opposition called for Pastor Jeon's arrest, he expressed dissatisfaction by saying, "The opposition is also the second squad of the Moon Jae-in administration."
On the 15th, as the 'Preparatory Committee Chairman for the National Revolutionary Party (tentative name),' Pastor Jeon visited Jeonbuk and criticized Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, saying he "smells like a newborn."
Pastor Jeon held a rally in front of the Jeonbuk Provincial Office, stating, "We are touring the country to hold report meetings for the people to revive the fallen Republic of Korea," and added, "On August 15, all citizens must rise and join the National Revolutionary Party with a revolutionary spirit."
He criticized both ruling and opposition parties, claiming, "They are trying to dismantle South Korea and hand it over to North Korea, but people across Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces are unaware," and insisted, "It's not just Jeolla and the Democratic Party; Gyeongsang and the People Power Party are the same."
Former Pastor Jeon holding the Taegeukgi and the American flag while giving a speech / Photo by Yonhap News
Targeting Lee Jun-seok, he said, "What is Lee Jun-seok doing as party leader? He doesn't understand the essence of South Korea and just rides a bicycle to work with things he picked up abroad or learned," criticizing him sharply.
He continued, "We have already been deceived by the Moon Jae-in administration, but if we endure 10 years under Lee Jun-seok, South Korea is finished," and argued that both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party should be disbanded.
Previously, Pastor Jeon had shown a strong conservative stance by attending far-right group rallies such as the 'Taegukgi Unit' and delivering speeches criticizing the Democratic Party. However, as the People Power Party began distancing itself from these hardline conservatives, he started to lash out at the opposition as well.
On August 15 last year, when the COVID-19 spread was severe, conservative groups including Pastor Jeon gathered for a Liberation Day rally around Gwanghwamun in Seoul. At that time, the leadership of the United Future Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) did not attend the rally.
Some in the opposition called for strict punishment of Pastor Jeon for ignoring quarantine rules and attending the rally. Then United Future Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung said, "Jeon Gwang-hoon, who undermined the national quarantine system, must be arrested," and criticized, "The quarantine efforts by countless medical staff, officials, and citizens were instantly ruined because of Pastor Jeon."
On the afternoon of August 15 last year, Jeon Gwang-hoon, the senior pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, is speaking at a rally condemning the government and ruling party held in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News
In response to such criticism from the opposition, Pastor Jeon's side held a press conference and retorted, "Is the United Future Party the second squad of the Moon Jae-in administration and the Democratic Party?" and asked, "Is the voice that echoed in Gwanghwamun Square reckless? Do you call the heartfelt voices of citizens trying to protect South Korea against the leftist tyrannical government that suppresses opposition and tramples on basic rights reckless?"
He further criticized, "There is nothing more to expect from right-wing political groups that prioritize their own interests over the people's human rights."
Meanwhile, Pastor Jeon held a press conference at the end of last month in front of Dongwha Duty Free Shop in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul, announcing the formation of a new party.
Pastor Jeon declared, "The upcoming 20th presidential election is a crossroads where South Korea will either eradicate the pro-North faction and achieve free unification or return to North Korea," and said, "To fulfill this historic responsibility, we have decided to establish a new party centered on 10.5 million citizens who participated in the Gwanghwamun movement, 12 million Christians, and 20 million families with military service members."
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