Three-Term Victory Lee Yang-su: "General Election Defeat Is the Responsibility of All in the Ruling Party... Deeply Saddened"

"I will approach this with a mindset of self-reflection first"

Lee Yang-su, the People Power Party (PPP) elected representative for Gangwon Sokcho·Inje·Goseong·Yangyang, succeeded in securing a third term but expressed a heavy heart on the 11th, stating, "This (ruling party) election defeat is the responsibility of all of us," and pointed out that it is inappropriate to hold a specific individual accountable for the election loss.

As the senior deputy floor leader, Lee appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' that day and opened up by saying, "I appreciate the congratulations on my election, but I feel somber because the party's results were poor."

Candidate Lee Yang-su of the People Power Party in the 22nd National Assembly election for the Gangwon Sokcho·Inje·Goseong·Yangyang district is celebrating as his victory is confirmed. Photo by Lee Yang-su's election team, Yonhap News Agency

He identified the cause of the ruling party's crushing defeat in the general election, saying, "We should have listened more closely to the voices of the people, but we failed to do so, which is a flaw," and added, "Also, the Democratic Party's nomination process was mishandled, and I think we became too complacent with the windfall benefits we gained from that."

He continued, "In fact, elections are about winning the hearts of the people, but perhaps we focused too much on asserting our own claims," and said, "Moreover, if the government's actions do not meet the people's expectations, the ruling party should have actively stepped in to restrain and stop the government, but failing to play that role is what I believe we are being held responsible for."

Lee stated, "I think everyone should reflect with the attitude that it is their own responsibility," and added, "Since the party leadership is responsible for these results, they should sufficiently apologize and show a reflective attitude to the public, which I believe the people will understand. I will also approach this with a reflective attitude myself."

Regarding the People Power Party securing the constitutional amendment blocking line (101 seats) but ceding political leadership to the Democratic Party due to an overwhelming 'minority ruling party' situation, he said, "Over the past four years, the public has expressed much lament over the Democratic Party's unilateral dominance in the National Assembly," and added, "I am afraid that such a situation might be repeated."

He then said, "We should appeal to public opinion and implement policies that meet the people's expectations, thereby handling affairs in a way that appeals to the people despite the Democratic Party's large numbers."

On the relationship between the party and government after the general election, he said, "It is not about vertical or horizontal relationships," and added, "We must convey the public sentiment we hear in the streets to the government without alteration, and especially earnestly advise the president so that those responsible for policy in the government and the presidential office can directly understand the public's expectations."

Regarding the Innovation Party's announcement that it will immediately propose the 'Han Dong-hoon Special Prosecutor Act' upon constitutional amendment, he said, "Laws that resemble revenge battles targeting specific individuals should not be enacted," and added, "Other elected representatives will also think it is an undesirable law, and I hope the party will be operated properly in a normal and reasonable direction."