Na Kyung-won: "Early Party Election in Sept-Oct Unlikely... Lee Jun-seok Says Politics Has 'Limits'"

Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won is speaking in front of a building in Sadang-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, which suffered significant damage due to heavy rain on the 11th. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won, considered one of the next party leadership contenders, virtually dismissed the speculation about an early party convention in September-October, saying, "I don't think it will happen." She also criticized former leader Lee Jun-seok's press conference, stating, "There is a saying in politics about knowing one's limits."

On the 17th, Na appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "The position of party leader comes with responsibility, but it must also have authority," adding, "Having full authority and responsibility as a party leader at this time could be very difficult."

Within the party, voices predicting the possibility of an early convention are not few, depending on the formation of the emergency committee. On the other hand, if the convention is held in January-February next year, former leader Lee's return could also be possible.

Na said, "There is no need to consider the timing of the convention for the possibility of Lee's comeback," adding, "We also need to watch whether Lee's approval ratings will continue to hold."

Regarding Lee's press conference on the 13th, she said, "The press conference the other day lost a lot of points," and advised, "Now is the time for Lee to step back and wait."

Na pointed out, "Lee's situation started with a 700 million won investment memorandum written by his closest aide related to his sexual misconduct case," adding, "At times like this, if he steps back and shows self-reflection, a bigger opportunity will come, but what Lee is doing now is self-harm both to the party and to himself."

Regarding the launch of the emergency committee, former leader Lee has filed an injunction to suspend its effectiveness against Emergency Committee Chairman Joo Ho-young and the committee itself at the Seoul Southern District Court. The court hearing is scheduled for around 3 p.m. today, and Lee has expressed his intention to attend.

If the injunction is granted, the emergency committee system, which was launched the day before, would collapse within a day, an unprecedented situation. On this, Na said, "The possibility of approval is low," adding, "First, the judiciary tends to exercise restraint in political matters, and secondly, the problematic party regulations in the process have been amended."