Lee Jun-seok "The Day May Come When We Become Comrades with Han"
Politicians Including Won Hee-ryong, Chu Kyung-ho, Lee Young Run for Minister
Yang Hyang-ja "Recently Received a Polite Proposal"
In Yo-han, Debate with Opposition Lee Sang-min
Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, and Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, along with other cabinet members of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, are increasingly likely to run in next year's general election. The People Power Party plans to leverage these star ministers, who have high public recognition, to overcome the crisis narrative in the metropolitan area and gain an advantage in the election. As former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok moves forward with establishing a new party, the ruling party has begun working on a 'big tent' strategy that includes opposition figures such as Lee Sang-min, a member of the Democratic Party, and Yang Hyang-ja, leader of Korea's Hope.
According to political circles on the 21st, the People Power Party has embarked on a big tent strategy encompassing star ministers and opposition figures ahead of next year's general election. Yoon Sang-beom, a People Power Party lawmaker, said on MBC Radio that day, "I understand that our party has actively requested star ministers to run," adding, "In my judgment, the possibility of running in the election has increased to at least about 70%."
The most eye-catching figure is Minister Han. Following his visit to Daegu last week, he has been expanding his reach by visiting Daejeon and Ulsan this week. This is interpreted as preparation for running in next year's general election. Minister Han dismissed the speculation by saying, "I am diligently doing my work," but political circles in Yeouido are highly anticipating his candidacy.
Former leader Lee Jun-seok, who is preparing to launch a new party, said, "If Minister Han sends a reformist message to the party, I believe the day will come when we become comrades." At a book launch event for lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung held the previous day, Lee said, "Minister Han's moves bring new momentum to the political arena, and I do not view that negatively. It seems he will soon embark on a political path, and I hope it will be constructive for the party and the Republic of Korea."
Ministers with political backgrounds are also gearing up to run. For Minister Won Hee-ryong of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, there are rumors of a possible run in Incheon Gyeyang, the constituency of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party. Additionally, the candidacies of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho, who is a two-term lawmaker, and Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik are considered certain. Minister Lee Young of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, who was elected via proportional representation, is also reportedly preparing to run. Four-term Foreign Minister Park Jin is still in the final stages of consideration.
The People Power Party is even moving to recruit opposition figures. Yang Hyang-ja, leader of Korea's Hope, recently said she received an official proposal for alliance from the People Power Party. In an interview with CBS Radio the day before, Yang said, "The recent talks were conducted with proper courtesy," adding, "You can understand that most of those remarks were preliminary." However, Yang drew a line on the possibility of a 'merger and absorption.'
On the same day, Innovation Committee Chairman In Yo-han met with Lee Sang-min, a Democratic Party lawmaker from the non-mainstream faction, to hold a discussion on political reform. The Innovation Committee plans to hold a lecture featuring Lee at the KAIST main building in Daejeon under the theme "Problems and Reform Measures of Korean Politics." It is reported that the Innovation Committee initiated this meeting. Since Lee has continuously expressed his intention to leave the party, attention is focused on his moves following this discussion.
Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, plans to focus on recruiting talent under the banner of a 'super big tent.' At the Supreme Council meeting held the previous day, Kim said, "The People Power Party will set up a super big tent together with all those who contemplate the country's progressive future," adding, "We respectfully request everyone's participation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
