"The public sentiment is somewhat cold"
"Promises must be kept after several times"
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has begun an indefinite hunger strike on the occasion of his first anniversary in office, while Lee Sang-min, a non-Lee faction member of the Democratic Party, expressed concerns, saying, "Public opinion is not that favorable."
On the 4th, Lee said on YTN's 'News King Park Ji-hoon' program, "Some of our party's strong and enthusiastic supporters argue that they should sympathize with the leader's hunger strike, but the overall trend of public opinion is somewhat cold."
He said, "The reasons that the leader has put forward as justification for the hunger strike are sufficiently reasonable and we understand his intentions, but there are quite a few views questioning whether this method is appropriate and whether it can draw the public's attention," adding, "Following the leader's words that he is at a loss and has little else to do, that too would be a surrender to politics."
In response to the host's question about 'what other methods are there besides a hunger strike,' he said, "Considering that the leader is currently on a hunger strike, suggesting other methods might cause confusion," but added that the hunger strike "is not receiving much public support, partly due to the general antipathy toward the leader and the entire political circle."
Regarding former President Moon Jae-in's phone call encouraging the hunger strike, he said, "From former President Moon's perspective, he would encourage the leader's perhaps extreme confrontation with the government, so he cannot criticize it. However, former President Moon, like the public, would also be worried."
He also raised concerns about how the hunger strike would end. He said, "It needs to be properly concluded, and the exit strategy should have sufficient justification, but if not, it might end ambiguously or without public support," adding, "Considering the public and livelihood, and since the regular National Assembly session is currently ongoing, it would be wise for the leader to stop the hunger strike himself, following the public interest and justification."
He said, "If it goes to the end, there could be uncontrollable situations, and judging by the current behavior of President Yoon Suk-yeol and the People Power Party, it seems they intend to maintain this confrontational stance until the general election," adding, "Charging ahead recklessly takes courage, but stopping at the right time also requires great courage."
Lee also said that although the prosecution is trying to excessively request warrants, the waiver of parliamentary immunity should not be reversed. He said, "Legally, it is correct to protect him during the session, but politically, the leader and our party have repeatedly promised the public," adding, "Because of overturning this several times, we have gained the stigma of being a corrupt shield party, so we must keep the promises we have already made."
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