On the First Day of Gaehyeok New Party Founding, Lee Jun-seok Says "Big Tent, Golden Time Has Passed" (Summary)

Lee Jun-seok, elected as the inaugural leader of the Reform New Party, said on the 20th, ahead of the general election, that the "big tent" plan to unite the third zone forces has "already missed the golden time."

Reform New Party leader Lee Jun-seok is waving the party flag at the Reform New Party Central Party founding convention held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Seoul on the afternoon of the 20th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

At a press conference following the Reform New Party's central party founding convention held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that day, Lee said, "Isn't it a comedy to merge the day after founding a political party?"

Lee addressed the third zone forces, saying, "I hope they do not found parties with an 'We can do it too' attitude. What matters is making things work, and 'We can do it' is unnecessary. In that regard, to avoid misunderstandings, the Reform New Party will sincerely engage in integration discussions."

Lee proposed three strategies for the third zone forces' general election approach. These are ▲each party distributing constituencies and nominating candidates ▲running in constituencies under a single symbol while selecting proportional representation candidates by party ▲and complete merger if there is public desire, representing three types of alliances.

Lee explained, "Although I mentioned three options, I did not express a preference. The most efficient plan will be derived through discussions with various forces."

Lee said, "I am communicating very closely with the leaders of the third zone," adding, "Apparent differences of opinion do not become obstacles to discussions."

Lee stated, "I don't mind if people criticize me or express different opinions, but anonymous interviews that stab with knives should be avoided," and added, "I intend to broaden the bibimbap (alliance with other forces) framework."

Regarding his own candidacy in the general election, Lee said, "I will strategically run where the party needs me."

Regarding the Reform New Party's candidate selection, he said, "For constituency elections, where voters verify candidates, moral verification should be applied flexibly, and for proportional representation, criteria should be applied cautiously."

Former leader Lee Nak-yeon, who left the Democratic Party of Korea, and Lee Jun-seok, the Policy Committee Chairman of the Reform New Party, are attending the 'Founding Members' Meeting for the Establishment of the New Future Party' held on the 16th at the Seoul Women's Plaza in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The founding convention was attended by third zone figures including Kim Jong-in, former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party; Lee Nak-yeon, talent recruitment chairman of New Future; Kim Jong-min, Cho Eung-cheon, and Jeong Tae-geun, co-chairmen of the Future Grand Alliance joint founding preparation committee; Yang Hyang-ja, representative of Hope of Korea; Geum Tae-seop, co-representative of New Choice; and former lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong.

In their congratulatory speeches, they commonly emphasized the necessity of a third zone "big tent," including the Reform New Party.

Lee Nak-yeon, talent recruitment chairman of New Future, said in his congratulatory speech, "We know what changes the times demand and what kind of politics is desired. We must do that work together. You and I have had the same experiences and share the same awareness of the problems. I hope we pledge to act the same way going forward."

Cho Eung-cheon, co-chairman of the Future Grand Alliance joint founding preparation committee, likened established parties to "elephants," saying, "The people command us to drive out the elephant, regardless of whether it is short or long. If possible, we promise to unite and follow the people's command. I hope the Reform New Party will join us."

Kim Jong-in, former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, said, "It will be very difficult to achieve political success by each going their own way. If we face the April general election as a united front, I am confident we can fully achieve our intended goals."