Lee Junseok: "People Power Party Beyond Repair... Yoon Leaving Won't Affect Voter Sentiment"

"A Structure Where Approval Ratings Can Rise With Momentum"

Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, predicted on May 15 that "even if former President Yoon Sukyeol leaves the People Power Party, it will not affect voter sentiment."

During a KBS radio interview that day, Lee stated, "It is too late in terms of timing, and since it feels forced, I have no expectations regarding its impact on voter sentiment."

Lee further criticized, "In fact, it was not a matter of leaving the party. The People Power Party should have expelled him immediately after the 12·3 Martial Law incident last year," adding, "I doubt whether the People Power Party, which failed to make a clear decision on this matter, can conduct politics that meet the public’s expectations." He went on to say, "The People Power Party has now reached a point where it cannot be reformed."

Candidate Lee Junseok Eating Food Given by a Citizen

(Busan=Yonhap News) Photo by Ryu Youngseok = Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, is eating food given by a citizen while appealing for support during his visit to Jagalchi Market in Busan on May 14, 2025. ondol@yna.co.kr (End)

Regarding the possibility of a unified conservative candidacy, Lee once again drew a clear line, saying, "There is absolutely no chance." He emphasized, "The very act of a party responsible for the martial law crisis talking about unification and making political engineering demands is something that deserves public criticism."

As for his own approval ratings, Lee explained, "I expected to reach double-digit support around May 15, but I am currently a bit behind. However, I believe that if momentum builds, there is a structure in place for my numbers to rise."

Regarding the Democratic Party's push to revise the Public Official Election Act by removing the 'act' requirement from the crime of disseminating false information, Lee said, "This attempt to neutralize candidate Lee Jaemyung’s criminal trial shows a lack of understanding of democracy and is an effort to establish dictatorship."