Lee Jun-seok on Yoon Seok-yeol and Kim Jong-in Conflict: "When Whales Fight, the Shrimp Must Flee"

Emphasis on Candidate's Decision and Direct Communication

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, expressed that he has no intention to mediate further regarding former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in's refusal to join the campaign committee, saying, "When whales fight, the shrimp must run away."

On the afternoon of the 23rd, Lee met with reporters at the National Assembly and stated, "In this situation, I actually hope there will be more direct communication between Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and former Chairman Kim."

He added, "It's a bit embarrassing to even call it mediation, but I expect that if we understand the other party's true intentions without distortion, the current situation might improve. Yesterday, I told Candidate Yoon to strengthen direct communication with former Chairman Kim, and it seems that Candidate Yoon is willing to do so."

When asked if there is a possibility of reversing appointments such as Kim Byung-joon as the standing campaign committee chairman, he said, "At this point, we must not create a situation where words have to be reversed," but added, "The candidate's intentions must be prioritized, and it is not right for anyone to force their thoughts on the candidate."

Regarding former Chairman Kim's refusal, he said, "He is someone who is not attached to a position and acts freely," and speculated, "Even now, in a similar context, he might judge that his role in the currently planned campaign committee is limited."

Nevertheless, he emphasized that "Since immediately after becoming party leader, preparations for the election have been made with the expectation that former Chairman Kim would play a significant role regardless of who the candidate is, so he does not want to deviate from this plan," stressing that former Chairman Kim should have a role in the campaign committee.