[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Cho Won-jin, leader of the Our Republican Party, predicted that if Cheon Ha-ram, a candidate from the 'Lee Jun-seok faction' running in the People Power Party's leadership election, polls above 20%, a mass resignation could occur.
On the 13th, Cho said on YTN's "News King Park Ji-hoon" program, "If the approval rating exceeds 20%, even if it later falls, having over 20% support means significant influence," expressing this view.
He added, "Looking at the current actions of Yoon's core associates (Yoonhaekgwan) and the presidential office's interference in party affairs, it inevitably leads to purges related to candidate nominations," and said, "Even if a hit list does not come out, about 30 district lawmakers already think, 'I won't get nominated.'"
He continued, "Rather than being eliminated through a hit list or losing nomination, these people are more likely to seek new alternatives outside the party," and "These issues will unfold between April and October."
He said, "This situation will start emerging from April," and criticized, "Judging by the tyranny of Yoonhaekgwan interfering in party affairs, it seems they will push through without considering the public. If that happens, the momentum for national governance could drift away from the people."
He emphasized that the plummeting approval rating of President Yoon in Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK), the People Power Party's stronghold, should be taken as a warning sign. Cho pointed out, "In Daegu and Gyeongbuk, with positive and negative ratings both at 45%, the president has lost over 30% of his voting support in that region," and added, "President Yoon made various remarks in Gumi and First Lady Kim Keon-hee visited Seomun Market, but the public sentiment in Daegu remains cold."
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