[Hotterview] Sangmin Lee: "Donghoon Han Seems to Be Preparing to Run for Party President... Will Practice Flexible and Practical Politics"

"People Power Party Needs Leadership to Overcome Powerlessness"
Delicate and Sophisticated Political Skills Required to Solve Problems

Lee Sang-min, a five-term lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, joined the People Power Party on January 8th after being persuaded by former Emergency Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon. He met Han when he was contemplating his political path as an independent after leaving the Democratic Party of Korea. After talking with Han, Lee said, "I felt that we 'clicked with each other'."

Lee recalled, "At that time, Han said, 'Whether on the right or the left, I will find the right answer anywhere.' That flexible and pragmatic approach resonated with me the most." Lee is confident that Han will run in the next People Power Party leadership election.

Lee Sang-min, who left the Democratic Party and joined the People Power Party, is speaking at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 8th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Why do you think former Chairman Han will run in the leadership election?

Those who say he shouldn't run have vested interests. After stepping down, a period of self-reflection is necessary. However, the current situation of the People Power Party is difficult and lethargic. New leadership is needed to break through and overcome this. To do that, there must be some support inside and outside the party. Leadership with driving force is necessary. Looking at it that way, who else is there besides Chairman Han Dong-hoon?

Have you met with former Chairman Han?

Not yet.

It seems that former Chairman Han has not clearly shown his political vision.

He will show it soon. He must be preparing. When I met him during recruitment, I thought his flexible and pragmatic approach and his intention to address disparity issues through politics aligned with the core of my political and legislative activities.

Former Chairman Han criticized the government's policy on banning overseas direct purchases. Do you think that was appropriate?

Yes. Politicians must express their opinions regardless of their stance. This becomes important information for voters to decide whether to choose a political product or not. Through expressing their position, they reveal their political marketability. However, since the attempt to enforce KC certification was out of concern for public safety, there should be consideration of that aspect. It is not right to criticize unconditionally.

Politics seems to have lost the process of finding answers and is left only with political strife.

The way the world works cannot be cut like tofu. Simply deciding by the number of seats or absolute majority is not possible in many cases.

Han Dong-hoon, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 8th with Lee Sang-min, a member of the Democratic Party who left the party and joined the People Power Party. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

You have been active as a lawmaker for 20 years. Do you have any regrets?

No matter how good or right something is, implementing it requires very sophisticated and delicate strategy and leadership. Shouting loudly and waving flags is not the answer. Doing so might result in nothing progressing. Of course, such efforts can accumulate and later become a turning point for historical transformation, but as a politician, strategy is necessary. This is something that President Yoon Seok-youl should also deeply consider. Without sophistication and delicacy, the public will not accept it. Also, if all stakeholders resist and oppose, nothing can be done. The medical reform involving the increase in medical school admissions is the same.

What are your plans for the future?

Well, nothing specific comes to mind right now. First, I need a base for activities, so I am thinking about how to combine my original profession as a lawyer with public interest roles. Nothing is easy. It is a bit daunting and unfamiliar.