Honam's Lee Yong-ho, who does not join the Democratic Party, to serve as co-chief of Yoon's joint election committee

Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate (right), and Lee Yong-ho, an independent lawmaker, are having a breakfast meeting at a restaurant in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on the morning of the 15th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Independent lawmaker Yongho Lee, representing the constituencies of Imsil, Sunchang, and Namwon in Jeonbuk, joined the People Power Party on the 7th.

On the 15th of last month, after a breakfast meeting with Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, Lee withdrew his plan to rejoin the Democratic Party of Korea. Rather than switching party affiliation, there was speculation about his possible joining of the New Era Preparation Committee led by former Democratic Party leader Han-gil Kim, but he made a sudden decision to join the party. Lee will later serve as a co-chairman of the party's presidential campaign committee.

Candidate Yoon said, "I appreciate and welcome Lee's courageous decision," adding, "This is an important opportunity to overcome regional sentiments, advance Korean politics, and expand our party's support base. Especially with the presidential election approaching, it feels like we have gained a great ally."

Lee said, "I have pondered my political future for a considerable time and decided to take the more difficult path among two options," adding, "The local residents expected me to take the familiar and comfortable path, but I did not think that was necessarily the right one." He continued, "Although it is a tough path, I believe it is the right one. For Korea to prepare well for the future and develop, I think the most important thing is to ease regional conflicts and promote national unity. I trust candidate Yoon and will do my best, even if only a little, to help make this presidential election a country for the people."

He also said, "I thought politics of division, politics of polarization, and activist politics should no longer continue," adding, "Politics based on regions and exploiting regional sentiments must also come to an end. I thought it would be cowardly as a politician to just watch such politics silently." Furthermore, he added, "I came here because I want to engage in politics that create a country where common sense prevails."

The campaign committee responded with unanimous welcome. General Campaign Chairman Jong-in Kim asked, "Please work hard to ensure the vote share in the Honam region definitely rises." Standing Campaign Chairman Byung-joon Kim also said, "We warmly welcome this and it seems like a very good sign is coming." Representative Jun-seok Lee said, "I think the efforts toward Honam during former Emergency Committee Chairman Jong-in Kim's time have produced this result," adding, "We will work together." Deputy Speaker Jin-seok Jung said, "I welcome the party entry and have been a long-time friend of Lee," adding, "We expect great contributions."

With Lee's entry, the People Power Party's total number of seats will become 105.