Shin Pyung: "Ahn Cheol-soo is a valuable figure... Lee Jun-seok influences only some men"

"Role in Absorbing the Centrist Vote, No One Better Than Ahn Cheol-soo"
Lee Jun-seok's Nomination Expected to Be Difficult

Shin Pyeong, a lawyer known as President Yoon Seok-yeol's 'mentor,' evaluated Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, as a "very valuable presence" while forecasting next year's general election. Regarding former party leader Lee Jun-seok, he said, "He has appeal to some men in the 2030 demographic."

On the 10th, Shin appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' and stated that Ahn could greatly help the People Power Party win next year's general election.

He said, "In elections, conservatives and progressives each have about 30%, and the centrist group makes up about 40%. As the election approaches, the centrist group is gradually absorbed by both sides, and ultimately, the outcome depends on which side absorbs the centrists. Is there anyone else who can play the role of absorbing the centrist group as well as Ahn Cheol-soo?"

Lawyer Shin Pyeong. [Photo by Yonhap News]

He then emphasized that Kim Ki-hyun, who won the People Power Party leadership election on the 8th, should naturally show an inclusive attitude toward his competitor Ahn, calling him a "valuable presence."

Shin predicted that it would be difficult for former leader Lee Jun-seok to receive the party's nomination for next year's general election. While acknowledging Lee's influence, he pointed out, "Lee definitely has influence, but it is limited to some men in the 2030 demographic. If, as in the last presidential election, the result is excluding more women to attract some men, Lee's role will inevitably be quite limited."

He evaluated Lee as having "a very strong character, complex, and a difficult nature that others cannot easily approach," adding, "We should consider that judgment has been passed on Lee through this leadership election." He was referring to the fact that all the candidates supported by Lee, including party leader candidate lawyer Cheon Ha-ram and candidates for supreme council member, were defeated.

However, Shin added, "There are also some excellent people among those belonging to the Lee Jun-seok faction," and said, "Depending on the situation, it is important for the party to demonstrate a spirit of inclusion toward the broader Lee Jun-seok and Yoo Seung-min factions and move forward together."