Lee Jun-seok, the Reason for Continuing to Promote the 'Hong Jun-pyo Prime Minister Speculation'

Lee "A Straightforward Prime Minister, A Prime Minister Who Speaks Up Needed"
Also Interpreted as an Intention to Expand the Base in Yeongnam Region for Local Elections

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform New Party, reiterated that Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, is suitable for the position of Prime Minister.

On the 25th, Lee said on MBC Radio, "For President Yoon Seok-yeol to create harmony within the conservative camp, it must start by giving a role to Mayor Hong, who was the biggest competitor during the presidential election."

Lee emphasized, "Mayor Hong himself is recognized as a presidential candidate-level figure, and since that is the case, he should be given a role that matches his stature."

Regarding criticism from some in the political circle that "Mayor Hong is reluctant because of the jinx that no Prime Minister has ever become President," he said, "It may be a jinx that no one who has been Prime Minister has gone on to the presidency, but jinxes exist to be broken," adding, "I don't think it is right to refuse a major role in a critical national crisis just because of such fears."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee explained, "When former President Kim Young-sam appointed Lee Hoi-chang as Prime Minister, many people saw that Lee Hoi-chang spoke his mind and gave frank criticism. That propelled him to become a presidential candidate twice," and added, "The public always evaluates a Prime Minister who is straightforward and speaks up."

Earlier, on the 23rd, Lee also mentioned on the National Assembly Broadcasting that Mayor Hong is suitable for Prime Minister. At that time, Lee said, "For President Yoon, who has lost much support from the younger generation, a practically complementary alliance with Mayor Hong, who practices distinctive politics, is important."

Mayor Hong also gave a positive evaluation of Lee after the general election, mentioning the cause of the People Power Party's defeat. Hong said, "We ambitiously nurtured Lee Jun-seok, but he was driven out by an absurd accusation of sexual bribery, and the party has become a sunflower party that only looks toward Yongsan," and on the day after the general election, he said, "Lee is a decent politician. Congratulations on his election."

In political circles, there is analysis that Lee’s emphasis on the Hong Joon-pyo Prime Minister speculation is aimed at expanding connections with the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region in consideration of the upcoming local elections. It is interpreted as a strategic move to broaden his base from the metropolitan area to the Yeongnam region in the next election. Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University’s Department of Political Science and Diplomacy said, "There is likely a political implication behind Lee’s repeated mention of Mayor Hong," adding, "For now, it appears to be a strategic move to expand the party’s influence in the Yeongnam region."