Lee Won-wook "Fandom Politics Must End"... Suggests Role in Third Zone Integration

'Principles and Common Sense' Scheduled Resignation Press Conference This Morning
"Prioritizing Third-Base Integration by Relinquishing Established Interests"
Possibility of Cooperation with 'Lee Jun-seok New Party'... 'Big Tent' as a Focal Point

Lee Won-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea's reformist group 'Principles and Common Sense,' revealed his plan to serve as a central figure for a 'third zone big tent' if he leaves the party. He emphasized the need to end 'fandom politics,' even leaving open the possibility of not running for re-election to eliminate vested interests.

On the morning of the 10th, Lee hinted at leaving the party during an MBC radio interview, stating, "The current extreme polarization in politics is absolutely unacceptable." The 'Principles and Common Sense' group has been demanding the formation of an 'Emergency Integration Committee' based on the resignation of leader Lee Jae-myung to resolve factional conflicts. However, as there was no response from the leadership, they scheduled a press conference at 9:40 a.m. that day, effectively delivering a 'final ultimatum.'

Lee Won-wook, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Lee said he had called for solutions to issues such as the severance of 'fandom politics,' the problem of party factionalism, and the party's dishonesty, but instead received opposing answers. He criticized the party charter and regulations amendments made at the party convention that increased the value of votes from so-called 'Gaeddal'?a term for strong supporters?among the party's registered members. He stated, "Rather, fandom influence has been strengthened, and ties with hardline YouTubers have been further reinforced."

As 'Principles and Common Sense' hinted at leaving the party, some lawmakers reportedly proposed a 'mediation plan' within the party. Instead of forming an 'early integrated election committee,' they suggested postponing the departure. Lee dismissed this, saying, "It was about maintaining the Supreme Council as is but reducing its authority. Since it differs from what we have demanded, it is not worth considering. The only solution now is the integrated emergency committee."

Regarding his course of action after leaving the party, he mentioned, "We need to overcome the current hateful politics, but there are only two major parties and no party in the middle to act as a judge," referring to third zone new party forces such as Lee Jun-seok, Lee Nak-yeon, Yang Hyang-ja, and Geum Tae-seop. He added, "If these groups remain fragmented, can they offer the public the possibility and hope of an alternative party? I want to first try to play the role of a central figure uniting all of them."

Democratic Party of Korea Reformist Group 'Principles and Common Sense'
[Image Source=Yonhap News]

In particular, he left open the possibility of cooperating with Lee Jun-seok, chairman of the Reform New Party's Policy Committee from the conservative camp, for third zone integration. He explained, "If the vision and values are the same, we can work together. However, considering Lee Jun-seok's political growth process, I mentioned that reflection is needed on issues such as gender division tactics and disability matters."

When asked by the host if there are current lawmakers who would join the movement after leaving 'Principles and Common Sense,' he replied, "Of course, there are," adding, "Some who fail the eligibility screening before the primaries and some who are not incumbents may also join."

He also expressed self-reflection in response to People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon's criticism of the Democratic Party as an 'activist privileged group.' While currently planning to run again in his constituency of Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, he emphasized, "If the public perceives me as part of the vested interests, I am fully willing to give up running in the constituency." He added, "My top priority will be to make the new party successful."