Yoo Yong, Targeting Yoo Seung-min: "I Know the General Election Is Difficult, Stop Nitpicking Every Little Thing"

"Everyone Is Deliberating Without Necessarily Empowering the Opposition"

Rep. Lee Yong of the People Power Party targeted former Rep. Yoo Seung-min, saying, "No one is unaware that if the general election is held with the current approval ratings, it will be a crushing defeat." Former Rep. Yoo had previously argued that "the responsibility for the ruling party's declining approval ratings lies with President Yoon Seok-yeol, and it will be difficult to win the general election in this state."

In a post on Facebook on the 13th, Rep. Lee said, "There is no need to publicly blame the president and party leadership and thereby empower the Democratic Party; all party members are deeply contemplating how to overcome the current crisis."

Rep. Lee recalled former Rep. Yoo's past remarks, saying, "You mentioned the situation during the 20th general election. While the opposition party still hinders the government, fortunately, there is no floor leader who treats the presidential office as 'eolladeul' (kids) and nitpicks government policies at every turn."

During the Park Geun-hye administration in 2014, when Yoo was a Saenuri Party member, he criticized the government at a parliamentary audit by referring to Blue House aides as 'eolladeul.' Yoo later became the Saenuri Party floor leader but resigned mid-term after conflicts with the Blue House and the pro-Park faction.

Rep. Lee continued, "Even without saying that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration will be a 'plant government' for five years, President Yoon himself stated in a New Year's interview that 'the ruling party must become the majority in next year's general election to carry out promised policies smoothly; otherwise, I will almost become a plant president.' Therefore, former Rep. Yoo does not need to step forward to criticize."

He added, "Rather, I wonder if your remarks take into account the situation after the 20th general election when you sided with the opposition to impeach the president and, after your appointment as emergency committee chairman was rejected, left the party to form a new party." He further said, "I hope your words, 'I will keep all possibilities open regarding what role I can play in next year's general election. It is not a new party. I do not think it is like a temporary new party formed during elections that later merges back,' are sincere."