Political Circles Watch Yoon's Possible Departure from Party
Lee Junghyun: "Elections Are a Matter of Party Survival"
"Yoon Will Not Delay His Decision," "Hong Should Remain Silent"
With the June 3 presidential election approaching, the political community is closely watching whether former President Yoon Suk-yeol will leave his party. In this context, the camp of People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Munsu claimed, "We believe that former President Yoon himself will make a decision in the very near future." On the 14th, Jung Hyun Lee, Co-Chairman of the Joint Election Committee, said in an interview with YTN Radio's 'Shin Yul's News Frontline,' "This is my personal opinion," and added, "Because this is an issue that concerns the very existence of the party, regardless of who it is, if someone is not helpful to the election or becomes a significant burden, that person should make a decision themselves."
Jung Hyun Lee, Co-Chairman of the People Power Party Joint Election Committee. Photo by Asia Economy
Lee continued, "Regardless of whether it is good or bad, it is a matter of duty to the organization," and stated, "Former President Yoon places public interest above personal matters, so if his situation becomes a key issue in the presidential election, he will not delay making a decision any longer." Previously, after visiting the Aerospace Administration in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, candidate Kim told reporters, "I have not heard anything about whether former President Yoon will leave the party," and added, "I believe he will make a wise decision. It is right to respect his judgment."
When asked about the 'anti-Lee Jaemyung big tent' strategy, Lee said, "The anti-Lee big tent is not a pretty name," and explained, "It is not good to exclude someone just because of one individual. What is needed is something like former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo's 'constitutional amendment coalition.'" He continued, "If people, even from different parties with differing opinions, come together for the stability of the nation and its people in the broad sense, out of concern over Lee Jaemyung becoming president, it would ultimately take the form of an 'anti-Lee coalition.' Figures like Lee Nakyon and Sohn Hakkyu are also giving much thought to this."
He went on to say, "Kim has never opposed constitutional amendment, but I wish he would emphasize it more," and added, "The winner-takes-all presidency has so far treated political, budgetary, personnel, prosecutorial, intelligence, party, and even various (legal) powers of violence as if they were a giant sword given to the president. With this constitution, no matter what kind of political reform is attempted, it is nothing more than 'trying to eat a leaf that has already been eaten by bugs.'"
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Munsu is getting into a car on the 14th in front of Miryang Gwana in Miryang City, Gyeongnam, to campaign. Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding the atmosphere of this election, Lee said, "It is not an easy situation," and explained, "The opposing candidate is running for president for the third time, while Kim has only been a candidate for three days." He added, "It is clear that Kim is at a disadvantage at the start, having just been confirmed as the candidate three days ago, while the other has been running for the presidency continuously for seven or eight years. This makes for a tough start to the election."
Regarding the declaration of support for Kim by supporters of former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo, Lee said, "It will have almost no impact," and drew a line by saying, "I do not wish to comment." He continued, "(Former Mayor Hong) is a senior figure in the political world and is now considered an elder statesman. Junior politicians learn by watching senior politicians. Great politicians can teach much more and earn greater respect through silence than by speaking often, so perhaps it would be better if he chose silence."
On this day, former Mayor Hong stated on his communication channel with supporters, 'Dream of Youth,' "I cannot help but sever ties with a party that has been impeached twice," and added, "They keep asking me to return to this despicable group, but I have lost all affection and do not even want to go near them." He continued, "I once helped revive the party, but the second time I simply could not handle it and left. Since I would only be criticized for leaving, I even retired from politics." He added, "At my age of 70, would I approach this emotionally? I left because it is a group beyond repair."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
