"Handonghun, a Political Expert... Insight Penetrating Korean Society"
August 8 Morning, People Power Party Admission Ceremony
Lee Sang-min, a member of the National Assembly who left the Democratic Party of Korea, will join the People Power Party on the 8th, about a month after his departure. Criticizing fandom politics within the Democratic Party, Lee solidified his decision to join the People Power Party after having a luncheon meeting with Han Dong-hoon, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party.
On the 8th, Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and announced that his joining ceremony was scheduled for 9 a.m. that day. Lee said, "Since Chairman Han's inauguration, I have found conviction and sympathy in several of his remarks and during the luncheon meeting on the 6th." He added, "We barely ate during the luncheon but had a very pleasant time, meeting an old friend and uniting in spirit after a long time."
Earlier, Lee and Chairman Han met for a luncheon at a restaurant in Jongno, Seoul. Chairman Han proposed that Lee join the party, saying, "Please join us."
On the morning of the 6th, Lee Sang-min, a lawmaker who recently left the Democratic Party of Korea, responded to reporters' questions before a lunch meeting with Han Dong-hoon, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, at a restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Lee said that his previously negative image of Chairman Han had been dispelled. He stated, "I had seen Chairman Han engage in verbal battles with some Democratic Party members, and there were many negative stories about Minister Han within the Democratic Party, so I was influenced by that. However, Chairman Han's actions aligned with my philosophy and political agenda, so I sympathized with him." He further evaluated Chairman Han, saying, "He is not a political novice but much more experienced than I am. Chairman Han is strategically very skillful and has insight and discernment that penetrate the fundamental problems of Korean society."
Regarding his choice of the People Power Party instead of a third political force, Lee explained, "I tried various efforts and attempted to form a coalition, but it was too difficult and limiting for me to handle alone. Also, it did not align with my future political schedule."
Lee said, "As a newcomer to the People Power Party, I will steadily settle in within the scope of what I can do. If the People Power Party, which has played a significant role in Korea's development and protecting the nation, can perform its role well, gain trust and support from the people, and help the Yoon Suk-yeol administration lead a stable government, it would be ideal."
The People Power Party has been eager to expand its base and has worked hard to recruit Lee. Lee, who entered the National Assembly in the 17th general election in 2004 as a member of the Uri Party and served five terms representing Yuseong, Daejeon, left the Democratic Party earlier last month, criticizing the leadership of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung.
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