Counter-Protest to Park Ji-hyun's National Appeal Press Conference
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] On the 24th, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, appealed for support, saying, "In response to the Democratic Party of Korea's arrogant 20-year rule theory, I want to mention the theory of unlimited responsibility for four years."
About a week before the June 1 local elections, Lee held a press conference at the National Assembly and released a public appeal, saying, "Please help the Yoon Seok-yeol government to work without restraint by overcoming the unreasonable obstruction by the major opposition party."
Lee's press conference appears to be a counter-strategy to the morning public appeal by Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Democratic Party of Korea's Emergency Response Committee.
Lee emphasized, "If you trust us and entrust local governments in this local election, we will work diligently to faithfully implement the Yoon Seok-yeol government's regional pledges without any other thoughts," adding, "If our performance is poor, we will suffer a crushing defeat in the next local elections and be judged in the subsequent presidential election."
He cited the basic qualification test for public office candidates as an example, saying, "I want to reflect the philosophy that anyone who wants to serve the people should always study and think on politics," and added, "The reform of the People Power Party will not stop with nominating good candidates." Lee also promised to establish an online civil complaint system to improve communication with the public.
Lee said, "The topic I want to raise is the change of era," and criticized Park Ji-hyun's announced reform plan of '586 retirement,' saying, "The opposing party seems to be in confusion as they mention belated personnel purges and generational change." He stated, "Our party no longer worships or follows a deified president," and "Rather, we are a party that welcomed a former president from our party who was investigated strictly by a prosecutor, with fairness and common sense as our motto."
He continued, "The People Power Party is solely taking steps toward national unity," and said, "Our spirit of unity, which was united in attending the May 18 Democratic Uprising memorial ceremony, will be practiced more actively through progressive policies."
Lee also made remarks targeting candidate Lee Jae-myung, saying, "I have many thoughts watching the by-election in Gyeyang these days," and added, "Our People Power Party will continue to engage in politics with justification," criticizing, "The arrogant behavior filled with a sense of authority by a candidate who boasts of being a former presidential contender in Incheon Gyeyang and the act of ignoring Gyeyang residents have already been condemned by the public."
Finally, Lee encouraged early voting, saying, "Early voting for this local election can be done at any polling station nationwide, just like in the general or presidential elections," and added, "Although we are the ruling party, we still lack seats and are number 2 on the ballot. Please lend your support so that the Yoon Seok-yeol government can work without restraint."
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