Three Reasons for the Success of 'Honam Incumbent' Lee Yong-ho, Who Joined the People Power Party Less Than a Year Ago

Lost to Joo Ho-young by 19 votes
Lee receives support from 41 out of 106 members
"Opposition to endorsement theory + concerns over Honam neglect"

Rep. Lee Yong-ho of the People Power Party is declaring his candidacy for floor leader at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 15th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] There are various interpretations regarding the 42 votes received by Rep. Lee Yong-ho, a two-term lawmaker who joined the People Power Party less than a year ago, in the floor leader election. In the previous election where the experienced five-term floor leader Joo Ho-young was elected, Joo received 61 votes while Rep. Lee received 42 votes. The difference between the two was only 19 votes. Rep. Lee performed quite well in this head-to-head election.

Although Floor Leader Joo was elected, as can be seen from the lawmakers’ voting intentions, opposition within the party against pro-Yoon faction lawmakers remains strong. What is the true sentiment of the ruling party lawmakers hidden within the votes received by Rep. Lee?

① Opposition to the 'Endorsement Theory' led by former Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong

Before the floor leader election, the 'Joo Ho-young Endorsement Theory' began to circulate. It is reported that some pro-Yoon lawmakers directly called incumbent lawmakers with voting rights to persuade them to support the endorsement. Former Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong is also said to have urged Rep. Lee, who was considering running, to give up his candidacy. In a CBS radio interview on the 00th, Rep. Lee stated, "Former Floor Leader Kwon told me that since this is an emergency situation, it might be better to go with an endorsement," adding, "But no matter how much I thought about it, I felt this was not right, so I told him I would go my own way."

Earlier, when the party was asked about confidence in former Floor Leader Kwon, the People Power Party decided by applause rather than an election. At that time, lawmakers like Kim Woong protested, but their objections were not accepted.

On the 19th, at the National Assembly members' meeting held to elect the floor leader of the People Power Party, candidate Joo Ho-young and candidate Lee Yong-ho are having a conversation. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Before the floor leader election, Rep. Lee also said in his policy speech, "I don’t know if it’s Yoon’s will or Kwon’s will," adding, "I think such things should not exist." He sharply criticized, "Even in elementary school class president elections, we don’t follow the teacher’s intentions. If an endorsement is made this time as well, does that mean we have to keep recycling candidates in future crises?"

② Ruling Party’s reluctance to act as a 'Yoon’s Will' rubber stamp

Within the party, there is also a growing perception that the ruling party should be one that 'speaks up' to the presidential office going forward. This is a sentiment expecting a more proactive role, especially as former Floor Leader Kwon, who was elected with over 80 votes backed by Yoon’s will, stepped down before completing his term.

On the 20th, Rep. Yoo Sang-beom said on MBC Radio regarding Rep. Lee’s vote count, "In party management, the will of party members and lawmakers is much more important than the president’s will, and expressing individual opinions is meaningful as a constitutional institution," adding, "I think this showed a relatively healthy relationship between the president and the party."

Floor Leader Joo also stated that he would maintain a tense relationship with the presidential office. In his policy speech, he said that among his duties as floor leader is to "maintain a healthy and horizontal relationship with the presidential office and government." He emphasized that major decisions and policies would be discussed with the ruling party and led by lawmakers.

③ Concerns over neglect of the only incumbent Honam lawmaker within the party

Some voices have emerged saying that Rep. Lee, an independent who was about to join the Democratic Party but joined the People Power Party in early December last year during the presidential election period, should be supported. Rep. Lee’s constituency is Namwon, Imsil, and Sunchang in Jeonbuk, and he is originally from the People’s Party.

One senior lawmaker said in a phone interview, "We brought him into the People Power Party with difficulty, so treating him coldly would be disrespectful to Honam and to him, and it would send a bad message to Honam voters," adding, "Since the Democratic Party is also a Gyeongsang Province party, he could be used and then discarded, so I think there was a complex opinion that at least Rep. Lee’s dignity should be upheld."