'Cheonayongin' Kim Yong-tae Declares "I Will Not Leave the Party"
Lee Jun-seok Confirms "All Except One Have Joined"
As the 27th, the day former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok announced his departure, approaches, the focus is shifting towards the formation of a new party, but the participation of close associates remains uncertain. Among the Lee Jun-seok faction 'Cheon-A-Yong-In' (Cheon Ha-ram, Heo Eun-ah, Kim Yong-tae, Lee Gi-in), former Supreme Council member Kim Yong-tae was the first to declare that he will not leave the People Power Party.
On the 22nd, former Supreme Council member Kim said on CBS Radio, "I believe that innovating within the party and staying is my duty to the party and its members who elected me as a Supreme Council member," adding, "I will prove the party's diversity myself." He continued, "Former leader Lee and 'Cheon-A-In' may form a new party or make some other choice, but I believe we can work together again before or after the general election."
Except for former Supreme Council member Kim, Cheon Ha-ram, head of the Suncheon Gap district party committee, Representative Heo Eun-ah, and Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly member Lee Gi-in have indirectly expressed their intention to join former leader Lee in the general election campaign through media interviews. However, all three are known to be cautious about declaring their departure or joining the new party.
On the 15th, Cheon said on Jeonnam CBS Radio, "It is an exaggeration to say that I have drawn a line against Lee Jun-seok's new party," adding, "I plan to carefully consider and observe until the 27th and make a decision soon."
Representative Heo also appeared on YTN News & Issue on the 21st and said about joining, "I prefer to remain silent on that matter," adding, "If I leave the party, I would have to resign from my position as a representative, so whatever choice I make is not something to be taken lightly. If former leader Lee Jun-seok announces his position on the 27th, I will also announce my decision without delay." Representative Lee has also not clearly stated whether he will join.
Meanwhile, former leader Lee is confident that the three, excluding former Supreme Council member Kim, will join the new party. In a radio interview, he said, "The majority of Cheon-A-Yong-In have now confirmed their participation, and only about one person is still considering."
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