"Former President Jeon Du-hwan never engaged in politics, only governance"
Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party (second from the left), is answering questions from reporters after paying respects at the memorial monument for the victims of the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident in Manheung-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, on the morning of the 21st. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, made a sudden visit to Yeosu and Suncheon in Jeollanam-do and commented on the recent controversy surrounding former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's 'Jeon Du-hwan remarks,' stating, "Former President Jeon Du-hwan never engaged in politics but only ruled."
On the morning of the 21st, Lee paid respects at the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident Victims Memorial in Manheung-dong, Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do, and met with reporters, saying, "There is only a photo of former President Jeon Du-hwan missing in the party leader's office. It means we do not commemorate or memorialize his acts of governance. Former President Jeon Du-hwan never promoted harmony, coordination, or exchanges of opinions between political parties," he said.
Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon's remarks, he said, "He explained the meaning behind his comments, but I find it difficult to agree. I oppose that perception," adding, "Those in our party who engage in politics should especially think carefully about remarks related to Honam. Politicians are in a position to take responsibility for their statements and be evaluated accordingly, so if there has been any disappointment caused to Honam, they must accept criticism for that."
He continued, "As the leader, I will draw a clear line to ensure that opinions differing from the established historical consensus are not reflected in our basic policies or core values when setting party principles and philosophy," he emphasized.
Lee then moved to Suncheon, paid respects at the Yeosu-Suncheon Uprising Memorial Tower located in Palma Gymnasium, and attended a meeting of the Jeollanam-do Party Committee Chairpersons, reaffirming his stance on the remarks.
He stated, "Since it is the primary election process and candidates express their thoughts and are judged accordingly, I do not intend to evaluate any specific candidate's remarks," but added, "Regarding the evaluation of the former president, as a party that has led the reappraisal of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and the enactment of the special law, we hold a position aligned with the established historical consensus more than anyone else."
Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidate, is speaking at the 'Gyeongnam Election Committee Appointment Ceremony' held at the Gyeongnam Provincial Party Office in Uichang-gu, Changwon, on the afternoon of the 19th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
He also pointed out, "It has only been three months since he (Candidate Yoon) joined our party, and the high expectations were because he had sought the death penalty against former President Jeon during a university moot court," adding, "It should not become an opportunity to diminish the potential support and competitiveness in Honam."
Earlier, on the 19th, former Prosecutor General Yoon visited the Haeundae Gap Party Members' Council in Haeundae District, Busan, and sparked controversy by stating, "Many say that former President Jeon Du-hwan did well in politics except for the military coup and May 18. Quite a few people in Honam also say that," which caused a stir.
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