Yongho Lee: "Even if it were a different leader, not Kim Gi-hyeon, the situation would be similar"

"Sacrificial Decision... Blocking the General Election Is Double Punishment"
"Proper Establishment of Party-Presidential Office Relations Needed"

Lee Yong-ho, a member of the People Power Party, described Kim Ki-hyun's announcement of his intention to resign as party leader as a "courageous and sacrificial decision," adding, "Even if there had been another leader, a similar situation would have occurred."

In an interview on June 14 with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Lee said, "Ultimately, the party must take responsibility for the election, and the party leader inevitably bears a heavier burden." He continued, "However, unless the relationship between the party and the presidential office and the party's leading role are properly established following the defeat in the Gangseo District Office by-election and this incident, such situations will continue to repeat."

Lee Yong-ho, Member of the People Power Party. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Regarding Kim's announcement of his resignation without mentioning whether he will not run in the general election or run in a difficult district, Lee said, "By stepping down this time, Kim has fulfilled his due responsibility," adding, "Taking responsibility as a member of the National Assembly is a separate matter. I don't think anyone can prevent him from running."

Lee stated that the person to fill the emergency response committee chair position after Kim's resignation should be "someone with extensive political experience who possesses charisma and can demonstrate leadership."

Regarding the mention of Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon as a candidate for the emergency response committee chair, he opposed it, saying, "He is excellent, has a good image, and has some appeal within the conservative camp, but the emergency response committee chair is not just a figurehead position."

He emphasized, "Someone with experience and know-how who has a winning scenario for the general election should come and change the game." About Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong and People’s Integration Committee Chairman Kim Han-gil, he said, "Since they have some political experience, they might be better choices."