"No One Can Match Hong Joonpyo's Command of Messaging"
Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, said he is "not considering at all" being mentioned as a participant in the 'anti-Lee Jae-myung big tent.'
On the 18th, Lee appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' and said, "When I was trying to lead the People Power Party to victory in the presidential and local elections as the party leader and push for party reform, wasn't there an attempt to politically kill me? That's why an ethics committee was held over the absurd allegation of sexual bribery." He added, "I have endured all this to come this far, but those who say 'we must unify and form a big tent to win' are beyond shameless; unless they have the heart of a beast, they cannot say such things to me."
Lee said, "To overcome the crisis in the Republic of Korea, talents must gather regardless of conservative or progressive lines," adding, "In my mind, I have already envisioned a talent pool encompassing both conservatives and progressives." He continued, "The person who will form a national unity cabinet regardless of party, region, or faction to overcome the crisis is me, Lee Jun-seok."
Regarding the proposal to draft Han Duck-soo, the acting president and prime minister, Lee said, "I don't think he will come out." He explained, "Former President Yoon Seok-youl was elected immediately after less than a year of political activity, which showed his lack of understanding of politics. Although Acting President Han and former President Yoon have different temperaments and Han has extensive bureaucratic experience, it would be uncomfortable for the public to suddenly see him emerge as a political figure and have his political capabilities evaluated."
On former President Yoon's future political moves, Lee said, "He will try, but I think it will be difficult for him to even attend his trials," adding, "Every time he goes to court, strange stories keep coming out, so he will continue to make his presence felt in some way, but his political influence will not expand."
Meanwhile, Lee predicted that former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo would stand out in the People Power Party primary. He said, "No one can match former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo's command of messaging," adding, "Since coming up from Daegu, he has been making headlines every day. In a short-term contest, no one can beat former Mayor Hong."
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