Lee Jun-seok: "Ethics Committee Likely Not Reflecting President Yoon's Intent... Party Issues Need Tone Down"

Ahn Cheol-soo: "Similar to Inter-Korean Relations... Willing to Engage in Dialogue"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 23rd, "Some people suspect whether the Ethics Committee's actions reflect the president's intentions or whether there was a will from Yongsan, but that is absolutely not the case."

Lee made these remarks during a meeting with reporters at the founding general assembly of the Korea University branch of the Central University Student Committee in the afternoon.

He said, "The president has declared that he will make minimal intervention in internal party matters," adding, "If the president excessively intervenes in internal party issues, it could provide grounds for attacks from the Democratic Party or others. It is important that party members tone down and resolve internal issues without external influence."

Regarding conflicts within the party leadership, Lee said, "Let's minimize closed-door supreme council meetings for a while," and added, "We are currently in a lull for about a week, and we will try to resolve internal issues by reducing tension within the party in this way."

Lee pointed out, "Recently, various issues starting from the Ethics Committee have tended to be exposed to the public in a negative light," and expressed concern, "I am also worried about the departure of the younger generation."

On the proportion of young party members, Lee said, "I believe it can expand from the current slightly below 20% to 30%," and predicted, "The party's decision-making structure will become even younger in the future."

During a Q&A with young members, Lee explained the Innovation Committee's activities, saying, "Usually, party leaders run the party with the intention of running in the next presidential election, but I am trying to create a system that benefits many people, including myself, for 10 or 20 years."

He added, "If I were a party chairman during the Kim Young-sam or Kim Dae-jung presidential eras, which were almost dictatorial, I could just dismiss everyone and nominate 150 lawmakers. No one would suddenly come to the supreme council and point fingers at me. If they do, I would just cut them off," and said, "Because I am not like that, you are seeing a unique spectacle."

Lee said, "I am always willing to talk with Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo. I don't know why people laugh when I say this, but it's similar to inter-Korean relations," and added, "I don't know if the conversation will proceed smoothly, but I am willing to talk with Assemblyman Ahn on any topic."

Regarding semiconductor development policies, Lee said, "We should appropriately utilize immigration policies," and stated, "If talented people from India who are good at mathematics design semiconductors in our country and make money, it benefits our country."

On the new Cold War atmosphere, Lee said, "Although sanctions and regulations against China and Russia are somewhat difficult, there is an aspect of strengthened solidarity among countries that impose them," and added, "We can speak more strongly on matters where the justification is on our side."