Lee Jun-seok, cautious response to 'Gobal Saju' allegations... "We will confront excessive attacks, but excessive intervention is not acceptable"

"Park Ji-won: Measures Must Be Taken to Reassure the Public in Any Way"
"No More Than a Comradely Relationship Despite Some Differences with Won Hee-ryong"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, emphasized a cautious approach while mentioning a balanced response regarding the ‘gobal-saju’ (accusation instigation) suspicion.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 12th, after meeting with former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong, a presidential primary candidate within the party, Lee told reporters, "When I think there is politically inappropriate and excessive aggression against our candidate, we can politically defend against it," adding, "The party strongly objected to the excessive search and seizure against Assemblyman Kim Woong." He continued, "Separately, I agree with the argument that the party should not excessively intervene in legal facts or matters it is not well aware of," and said, "I think these two should harmoniously form the basis of our response."

Regarding the statement from former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol’s side about filing a complaint against Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, Lee also distanced himself from it. Lee said, "The National Intelligence Service Act strictly prohibits the NIS from intervening in domestic politics," and added, "I feel very sorry that Director Park, who would know this better than anyone, acted in a way that could cause significant misunderstanding." He further stated, "Since the presidential election is very sensitive, I think Director Park should take measures to reassure the public, including clarifying his position," and said, "I will not wait long."

Earlier, in an MBN interview, when asked if he believed in the innocence of former Prosecutor General Yoon and Assemblyman Kim Woong, Lee said, "If there is oppression from the ruling power, the party should defend its members," but also stated, "If there are unreasonable actions or mistakes in the facts (by former Prosecutor General Yoon), the party does not guarantee them."

Meanwhile, Lee and former Governor Won revealed that their uncomfortable relationship was resolved through this meeting. Lee said, "In the political journey that Won and I have shared, our comradely relationship is not significantly affected by some differences of opinion." Earlier, Won publicly disclosed in a private call that Lee said, "Former Prosecutor General Yoon will be settled soon." In response, Lee clarified through releasing the recording that the subject of settlement was not former Prosecutor General Yoon but the noise during the primary process. Amid the controversy, Won demanded the release of the recording file, while Lee responded with "I just feel sorry."