Strong Fandom and Criticism Alike... One Year of Lee Jun-seok's Leadership

Demonstrating Presence with Two Election Wins
Frequent Controversies and Lack of Inclusiveness Cited as Weaknesses
Some Party Members Suggest Possible Early Resignation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party (pictured), marks his first anniversary in office on the 11th. As the first leader in his 30s of a conservative party and an icon of reform, Lee showcased his presence by leading the party to victory in two elections?the presidential and local elections. However, recently, he has faced criticism for lacking inclusiveness and empathy after a direct confrontation with the party’s longest-serving lawmaker, Jeong Jin-seok.

Reactions within the party toward Lee are divided. After the impeachment crisis, when the People Power Party’s support base had effectively collapsed, Lee gained recognition as a young politician by initiating ‘debate battles’ to bring youth into politics and introducing the ‘Public Office Candidate Basic Qualification Assessment (PPAT),’ thereby seizing issues during election periods.

However, one of the virtues expected of a party leader?being inclusive and empathetic?is considered Lee’s biggest shortcoming. The debate over the subway protests with the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Disabilities drew criticism that he lacks empathy for the vulnerable. Additionally, Lee tends not to overlook public criticism directed at him. He suddenly disappeared during the last presidential election and has recently engaged in daily Facebook exchanges with lawmaker Jeong. Regarding this situation, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, advised on a radio show that day, "(Lee) needs to be more tolerant of criticism and does not need to respond to every single critique." A first-term lawmaker also said, "Even if Lee speaks the truth, established politicians find it difficult to accept." A senior party lawmaker noted, "While a fandom has formed among the 20s and 30s generation for Lee, party members aged 50 and above are quite critical."

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

There is also much speculation surrounding the establishment of the ‘Innovation Committee.’ It is a forum to discuss nomination procedures and methods ahead of the general election in two years, but with lawmaker Choi Jae-hyung appointed as chairman, there are complaints that lawmakers with two or more terms may find it difficult to join as members. Lawmaker Jeong Hee-yong, who had planned to join the committee, is reportedly reconsidering declining the position due to negative public opinion.

Because of this, despite victories in the presidential and local elections, there are still predictions that Lee’s leadership will not last until his term ends in June next year. In particular, being referred to the party’s Ethics Committee is expected to be a setback. Lee maintains that there is no problem at all, but within the party, public opinion is spreading that even being implicated in allegations of sexual bribery violates the duty to maintain dignity. A senior lawmaker said, "Since he led the party to victory in the presidential and local elections, the justification for replacing him is weak," but added, "It is also true that there is a mood among party members that early replacement is necessary due to ongoing dissatisfaction with his behavior, such as disappearing during the presidential election."

Lee plans to hold a press conference on the 12th to mark his first anniversary in office.