Lee Junghyun: "Lee Junseok Should Return to the Tiger's Den, Han Donghoon Must Join the Campaign Committee" [So Jongseop's Sogteoview]

"Former President Yoon Sukyeol Must Decide to Leave the Party on His Own"
"Lee Junseok, a Tiger Belongs in the Tiger's Den"
"Rather Than Kim Moonsu vs. Lee Jaemyung, It Should Be Conservatives vs. Progressives"

Lee Junghyun, co-chairman of the People Power Party's joint election campaign committee, appeared on Asia Economy's YouTube channel "AK Radio" at 4:00 p.m. on May 14. Chairman Lee emphasized, "Former President Yoon Sukyeol must make a decision for the sake of the party, and if it helps the election, he should do so on his own initiative," adding, "Former Representative Han Donghoon must also join the campaign committee immediately." Throughout the hour-long interview, Chairman Lee expressed his thoughts with his characteristic passionate voice. The key points of the interview are summarized below.

Lee Junghyun, co-chairman of the People Power Party's joint election campaign committee, is appearing on Asia Economy AK Radio for an interview. Photo by Heo Younghan

How do you view the overall landscape of the presidential election?

There will be changes as the voting day approaches. The overall situation will become clear, but as things stand now, we are significantly behind. There is a great deal of work to be done from this point onward.

What strategy do you think should be used?

If it becomes a contest between Kim Moonsu and Lee Jaemyung, the public will not be able to make a proper choice in such a short time. We must appeal to the public during the remaining election period to choose which of the two forces?conservative or progressive?can bear the weight of the nation, and whether they will bring stability or instability.

Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party candidate, has an approval rating hovering above 50%. What is your assessment?

In fact, until now, candidate Lee Jaemyung was trapped in the 30% approval "box." This means that 70% of voters might not choose him. This is the same "box" we saw during former President Lee Hoechang's time. He was a dominant candidate for eight years but still lost the election. The public is well aware of the risks associated with candidate Lee Jaemyung. There are concerns about whether he could conduct proper diplomacy with the United States and Japan if he becomes president. The same goes for the nation's finances?he has been making many populist promises. Even as a presidential candidate, he is on trial and under investigation. Can the public really accept this? An unexpected result is possible.

You once served as spokesperson for former Prime Minister Han Deoksoo. Will he join the campaign committee?

That is for the Prime Minister to decide. It is not for me to say whether he will or will not participate.

What about former Representative Han Donghoon?

If he intends to remain in the party and grow with the support of the group, he must realize that the group is watching him. He may feel wronged, dissatisfied, or regretful that he was not chosen. However, participating in the primary is a public promise to accept the results, a promise to party members, and a promise to one's own conscience. This must be upheld unconditionally. If someone does not know how to accept defeat, how can they expect others to accept defeat when they become a leader? That is truly the mindset of a thief.

Former Representative Han Donghoon must join the campaign committee without delay. He is popular and has a clear will for reform. Moreover, he has dreams for the future. Of course he should join. He should humble himself within the group, persuade others from within, and if that doesn't work, try again with another issue, and keep persuading until he gains recognition and rises. Insisting "Only I can do it" is the attitude of a dictator. Saying "If you don't accept this, I won't participate" is like a child locking themselves in a room and refusing to eat if their demands aren't met before entering elementary school. Even if such a person became president, they would be truly dangerous and could ruin the country. Representative Ahn Cheolsoo has shown true dignity by accepting defeat graciously this time.

Chairman Lee Junghyun stated, "Former Representative Han Donghoon must join the campaign committee immediately." Photo by Heo Younghan

How do you think the relationship with former President Yoon Sukyeol should be managed?

He will make his own decision. If he believes it will help the party or the election, I am confident he will make the right decision.

Do you think there is no need for the party to expel him?

If his issues become a focal point in the presidential election, he will step aside. And he should do so.

What is your view on the potential unification of candidates Kim Moonsu and Lee Junseok?

Lee Junseok, whom I have observed so far, is remarkable. His leadership, sense of justice, and memory are all impressive. His depth of knowledge and eloquence are astounding. He is certainly a tiger?a slightly younger tiger. So I would like to advise him: "You will inevitably have your chance. The opportunity will always come to you." I hope he does not follow the same path as Park Chanjong or Lee Inje. A tiger belongs in the tiger's den.

If he wanders in the wilderness, he could simply fade away. He must boldly enter the tiger's den. He may feel disappointed with the People Power Party, but being able to overcome such disappointment is what makes a great leader?a true king tiger. Those who can control, restrain, and manage their emotions are the ones who can govern the country and serve the entire people.

Isn't it possible that digging a new tiger's den could lead to the closure or collapse of the existing one?

That is possible. That is the charm of politics?making the impossible possible, and achieving what seemed unachievable. Given Lee Junseok's capabilities, he could do that. However, if one gets into the habit of kicking away one's own organization, the members will do the same. Then, one will remain just a popular figure, unable to reach a position of responsibility?that is the lesson of history and the way of the world.

Chairman Lee stated, "Candidate Lee Junseok must boldly enter the tiger's den." Photo by Huh Younghan

Kim Yongtae has emerged as the emergency committee chairman.

The best thing candidate Kim Moonsu has done is appointing Kim Yongtae as the emergency committee chairman. I hope to see a 35-year-old as the emergency committee chairman. I hope he will boldly clear away the vested interests and the accumulated wrongdoings and garbage of this party.

There is a possibility he may clash with candidate Kim Moonsu.

He must clash. If something is wrong, he should say it is wrong. He must boldly express that there are such voices. On other issues, they can work together.

What variables do you see in the upcoming presidential election?

The first is time. Basically, the conservative and progressive camps are at 45 to 45. In the last presidential election, wasn't the difference only 0.73 percentage points? In the final stretch, it will become 49 to 49. The second variable is whether candidate Lee Jaemyung's morality meets the average level of ordinary citizens. It is below average. And if he is convicted and receives an unfavorable verdict, claiming it is oppression and threatening the judiciary as if to abolish it, who would dare to make a ruling? Who would want to be a judge or a prosecutor? The public will come to realize these things. This election is about preventing the worst-case scenario.

*Click the video to watch the full interview.