'Nakjun Alliance' Unlikely?…Lee Seok-hyun Says the Distance Between Lee Nak-yeon and Lee Jun-seok Is Merely a Stream

"Lee Jun-seok Open Minded... Possibility of Consensus Formation in Nakjun Alliance"

Former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in's low estimation of the possibility of a 'Nakjun Coalition' (a coalition between former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon and former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok) was rebutted by Lee Seok-hyun, co-chairman of the New Future joint founding committee, who said, "The breadth of the two former leaders is no more than a small stream."

On the 17th, Lee appeared on YTN Radio's 'News King Park Ji-hoon' and said, "Former Chairman Kim's observation has some merit, but from my perspective, it is not so."

Former leader Lee Nak-yeon, who left the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the 'New Future Party Founding Supporters' Meeting' held at Seoul Women's Plaza in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 16th, expressing his aspirations for the party's establishment. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

He explained, "Before former President Kim Dae-jung was elected, the DJP coalition was formed. At that time, the ideological conflict between left and right was more severe than it is now. Kim Jong-pil was the symbol of conservatism, and Kim Dae-jung was the symbol of progressivism, yet the DJP coalition was achieved. The difference between the two was as wide as the Han River."

Lee added, "Even Chairman Han Dong-hoon suggested including the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement in the preamble of the constitution, and former leader Lee Jun-seok is much more open-minded than Chairman Han. There is little ideological difference. For example, there is much consensus on the spirit of democracy, the Candlelight Movement, and inter-Korean peace." He continued, "Former President Kim Dae-jung often spoke of the scholarly, intellectual awareness and the merchant's practical sense. From the merchant's practical perspective, the necessity for the two forces to unite is very great now. They complement each other, and I believe the coalition will be realized in every aspect."

Meanwhile, Lee revealed that about ten incumbent lawmakers are quietly exploring joining. He said, "Actually, there are about ten lawmakers who are interested, communicating and inquiring with each other. Once the official founding takes place in February, momentum may build, and in such an atmosphere, many incumbent lawmakers could become active."