Jung Jinwook: "Someone Supported by Honam Should Not Act This Way"
Park Jieon Criticizes Lee Nakyeon's Actions on Facebook
Local Political Circles Say, "He Has Hurt the Local Community"
On May 27, Lee Nakyeon, Standing Advisor of the New Future Democratic Party, officially announced an alliance with Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, prompting widespread disappointment among local political circles.
Jung Jinwook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Gwangju Dongnam-gap), told Asia Economy, "I am not sure if it is right for someone who has represented the Honam region and received so much support to betray us in this way," adding, "He was in the Democratic Party, but he does not seem like a true member, and though he is from Honam, he does not seem like a true Honam person. He has forgotten his roots."
He continued, "It is truly regrettable. I never expected he would go this far," and added, "I believe this decision was possible because he regards politics as his personal affair. Politics is about making promises to local residents and engaging in dialogue with history, so this judgment is truly shocking."
Park Jieon, a Democratic Party lawmaker (representing Haenam, Wando, and Jindo in South Jeolla Province), also expressed his views on Facebook, saying, "I am appalled by the reports that Lee Nakyeon, who served as a lawmaker, governor, prime minister, and party leader in the Democratic Party, has agreed to form a joint government with Kim Moonsoo, a candidate representing rebellious forces, using constitutional amendment as a pretext." He sarcastically added, "Today, Yoon Sanghyun, a direct associate of Yoon Sukyeol, was announced as the joint election committee chair for Kim Moonsoo. Lee Nakyeon's partnership?could it be a joint government with President Kim Moonsoo and Prime Minister Lee Nakyeon? Hahaha."
A local political insider commented, "Lee Nakyeon's influence in the region is very low," and added, "While this presidential election may not be greatly affected, it seems to have dealt another significant blow to the local people."
Meanwhile, on the same day at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Lee held an emergency press conference, where he defined the election of Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's candidate, as the 'emergence of a monstrous dictatorship.' He also stated, "I have reached a principled agreement with Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party candidate, to prepare for the Seventh Republic."
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