Lee Junseok Hints at Presidential Bid with "40s Leadership Theory"
Sharp Criticism from Political Circles over His Presidential Ambitions
Amid the impeachment phase of President Yoon Suk-yeol and the growing atmosphere for an early presidential election within the political circle, Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, has effectively hinted at a presidential bid. In response, Ko Min-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, sharply criticized him, saying, "He started politics based on 'hate politics.'"
On the 3rd, Ko posted a message titled "Generational change cannot be achieved through hate politics" on her social media (SNS). In the post, she mentioned Lee's presidential bid and said, "I welcome the idea of 'generational change,'" but added, "I do not readily agree with the question of whether a politician like Lee Jun-seok is qualified to talk about generational change. Biological age does not offset everything," criticizing him.
Ko then evaluated Lee's past political actions, stating, "He has used 'populism' without hesitation and often treated the 'human rights' of minorities as insignificant," and pointed out, "Populism based on excluding minorities and the weak cannot unite those who are different from me." She emphasized, "His emergence will put hate and division at the forefront of our politics," calling it "very dangerous."
Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, is holding a press conference on political issues on the 2nd at the Red Road Busking Street in Hongdae, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Not only Ko but also Shin Dong-wook, the chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, appeared on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show" that day and said, "Watching Lee's on-site press conference, it feels like he is not preparing for the presidential election but trying to cover up internal issues of the Reform New Party," adding, "He is someone who does not even need to participate in the primary, so why bother declaring his candidacy?"
Earlier, on the 2nd, Lee held a press conference near Hongdae Entrance Station, a symbol of youth, hinting at his presidential run. He stated, "I will be the 'first penguin' who takes the lead for the future of the Republic of Korea," and added, "If the sea is something the young generation of Korea must cross, I will jump into that sea without hesitation." He continued, "John F. Kennedy became the leader of the United States at 43 and sent people to the moon; Tony Blair proposed the 'Third Way' in the UK at 43; Bill Clinton, at 46, led the American renaissance centered on IT; and Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States at 46," concluding, "Our generation, born and raised in developed countries, should now upgrade Korea to match a developed nation."
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