Sangmin Lee: "I will go where I am welcomed"... Jo Jeonghun: "We must bring him at a high price"

"Will Choose to Unfold Political Dreams in Early December"

Lee Sang-min, a five-term lawmaker who hinted at leaving the Democratic Party of Korea, stated regarding his future plans, "I intend to make a decision before early December," and "I will go where I am welcomed."

On the 17th, Lee appeared on Channel A's News A Live and said, "I am trying to choose a place where I can pursue my political dreams."

When asked if he would join the People Power Party, he responded cautiously, saying, "There has never been a time when the People Power Party treated me warmly."

Lee Sang-min, member of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding the reason for considering leaving the party, Lee said, "The inspiring slogan of clean politics and a country where everyone lives well, which was promoted during the early days of the Uri Party, has now been distorted," adding, "It has become Lee Jae-myung's personal party and turned into the 'Gaeddal' party. I feel powerless about what role I can play in this party."

He continued, addressing the attacks from hardline supporters against him, a member of the non-mainstream faction, saying, "I have developed a thick skin and usually let things slide, but those attacks have accumulated and caused emotional wounds," and "Despite going through many ups and downs, I have never been as troubled as I am now."

He added, "It is time to decide whether to leave or not by myself, and if I delay any longer, it will seem like I am bargaining or begging for nominations, so I want to make a decision quickly," and "I will conclude this as promised, before early December, as soon as possible."

Regarding Lee's potential departure, the People Power Party expressed a welcoming response. On the same day, Cho Jung-hoon, a People Power Party lawmaker, said on BBS Radio's 'Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal,' "If Lee Sang-min comes, I will be the first to welcome him with open arms," and added, "Although he is currently a Democratic Party member, if he becomes a free agent, I believe the People Power Party will offer the most unprecedented compensation and value to bring him in."