Lee Jun-seok hints at presidential run... "Not possible at present" for People Power Party unification

Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, hinted at a presidential bid on the 25th. He drew a line regarding the possibility of unification with the People Power Party.

On the same day, Lee appeared on SBS Radio and, when asked about his intention to run if the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of impeaching President Yoon Seok-yeol and an early presidential election was held, he replied, "The situation looks like that now."

Lee Jun-seok, Member of the Reform New Party. Photo by Yonhap News

Lee will be eligible to run for president at the age of 40 on March 31 next year.

Referring to his victory in a three-way race against the People Power Party, the Democratic Party, and the Reform New Party in his constituency of Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province during the April 10 general election, Lee argued that completing the presidential race in a three-way contest has a chance of winning. He said, "Rather, that (three-way race) has a higher probability of winning than going to a two-way race," adding, "Elections should be future-oriented."

Regarding the possibility of unification with the People Power Party candidate or a merger between the People Power Party and the Reform New Party in the event of an early presidential election, he firmly stated, "It is impossible."

He continued, "If there is an awakening in the People Power Party to the extent of 'How did (the People Power Party) pass the presidential primary?' then (I don't know)," adding, "From what I see, there is no such person yet."

Regarding Lee Jae-myung, the leading presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, he mentioned judicial risks and said, "'The early presidential election is coming soon, so I am confident and want to have my trial quickly,' he should say."