"Moon Jun-yong Likes Lee Jae-myung," Kim Geun-sik Says, "They Resemble Each Other... If Elected, a Storm Will Follow"

"Disappointing Polls, Pro-Moon Jae-in Faction Courts Support, but Hidden Dagger Exists"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Professor Kim Geunsik of Gyeongnam University recently analyzed that Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung's recent efforts to narrow the gap with the pro-Moon Jae-in support base, including stating that he likes Moon Joon-yong, President Moon Jae-in's son, will lead to "a storm of conflict the moment he is officially nominated as a candidate, despite courting votes now out of necessity."

Kim, who is the head of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district in Seoul, said on Facebook on the 15th, "I fully understand the efforts to court the pro-Moon faction, but even in that context, when he says Moon Joon-yong is his style, I sense Lee Jae-myung's hidden true intentions," expressing this view.

Earlier, on the 14th, Lee appeared on the pro-government YouTube channel 'Park Siyoung TV' and said, "I went to the Blue House for a meeting of metropolitan area heads, and after the meeting, President Moon offered me a cup of tea in his office," and "Moon Joon-yong is someone I personally like."

Regarding Joon-yong's active defense against various allegations against Lee, including the 'special treatment in subsidies' controversy, Lee said, "(Joon-yong) thinks similarly to me. He won't accept benefits from the president, but he also won't suffer harm. Let's do things by the book. That's why he acts confidently."

About former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, Lee said, "He was a victim of selective justice. Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl exercised selective justice," and revealed his closeness by saying, "I often contact former Minister Cho."

Kim Geun-sik, professor at Gyeongnam University and chairman of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district in Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding these remarks, Professor Kim analyzed that Lee and Joon-yong resemble each other, saying, "By invoking Moon Joon-yong, Lee's hidden true intention is revealed: that he neither owes nor will be victimized by President Moon and the pro-Moon faction."

He added, "It is true that Moon Joon-yong's rude, cold, argumentative, and aggressive personality seems similar to Lee's. Especially, the remark that he 'doesn't want to receive benefits from the president nor suffer harm' while saying he likes Moon Joon-yong subtly reveals Lee's inner thoughts," he said.

He continued, "The moment Lee is officially nominated as a candidate, he will break ties with President Moon and the pro-Moon faction and pursue clear differentiation. A storm of conflict may arise," adding, "Although Lee's words 'confidently by the book' were made referring to Moon Joon-yong, there is a bone and a hidden blade in those words."