"No Contact with the Presidential Office"
"The Opposition Could Also Split"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Attorney Shin Pyeong, known as "Yoon Seok-yeol's mentor," who sparked controversy by claiming that President Yoon Seok-yeol might leave the party and form a new party if candidate Ahn Cheol-soo becomes party leader, emphasized that "if candidate Ahn becomes party leader, President Yoon's momentum in state affairs will be significantly weakened." However, he stressed that "I am not in a position to contact the president," emphasizing that this is 100% his personal opinion.
On the 7th, on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Attorney Shin said, "If the president falls into a lame-duck situation within less than a year of inauguration, naturally, the president cannot help but consider extraordinary measures."
Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate for the People Power Party leadership, is holding a press conference related to the party convention at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
If candidate Ahn becomes party leader, the momentum for state affairs as future power will shift to him, and in a situation where the ruling party is in the minority, President Yoon's momentum in governing, which is already difficult, will inevitably be significantly weakened. Attorney Shin had previously stirred controversy by posting on his social media on the 3rd, "If candidate Ahn becomes party leader, depending on the circumstances, President Yoon will have no choice but to form a new party through political realignment."
He said, "The president, as the controller of state affairs, has the responsibility, duty, and authority to overcome any deadlock that occurs," adding, "Although I spoke assuming a very exceptional situation, it would be best if such an unfortunate event does not happen."
Regarding candidate Ahn, Attorney Shin said, "I trust Ahn's character. However, if he becomes party leader, many people will gather around him, and in a situation where Ahn inevitably leads the general election, that faction will become very powerful," adding, "Conversely, President Yoon's ability to control state affairs will inevitably be significantly weakened." He analyzed that since nominations are made centered on the party leader, even if Ahn does not intend it, those around him will lead the situation in this direction.
Attorney Shin himself emphasized that "President Yoon cut off contact after his inauguration," stressing this is 100% his personal opinion, but also stated, "I often meet with various participants of the Yoon administration and receive various trends through them. From that, I have grasped the atmosphere," indicating that there is some objective evidence behind his statements.
Regarding whether this is related to Kim Han-gil, Chairman of the National Integration Committee, drawing up plans for political realignment, he dismissed it, saying, "I have never met Chairman Kim. Linking his actions with my words is a bit too much."
Regarding media interviews suggesting prior coordination with the presidential office, he said, "That was somewhat exaggerated," explaining, "Because I have connections with ruling party officials, I meet and talk with them frequently, and some of them work in the presidential office, which I mentioned."
There is also analysis that if a new party is formed in the 'minority ruling party' situation, the ruling party's position could become even narrower. In response, Attorney Shin said, "Currently, the conditions in Korea, whether ruling or opposition, are quite fragile, and it would not be surprising if the opposition splits at any time," adding, "In such a situation, mergers and splits among ruling and opposition parties are within the realm of reasonable expectation." This implies that some opposition factions could be absorbed during the new party formation process.
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