Apology Email Sent to Party Members
Admits "Overzealous Carelessness" and Reflects
Pushes Back Against Democratic Party's Expulsion Calls as "Resistance from the Establishment"
Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, apologized to party members on May 30 regarding his remarks during a televised debate. Lee stated, "I, Lee Junseok, take full responsibility," and added, "I will not offer any excuses."
In an email sent to party members that day, Lee said, "During the third televised debate, my inappropriate expressions caused disappointment and distress to many people," and continued, "I sincerely apologize to everyone whose feelings were hurt because my true intentions were not properly conveyed and because of the tone of my remarks."
He added, "Since I began my political career, I have always committed myself to standing before the people with sincerity," and continued, "However, in a moment of overzealousness, I failed to uphold that commitment. Taking this incident as a lesson, I will make sure not to repeat the same mistake and will conduct myself with greater restraint."
Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, is appealing for support from citizens at Yeouido Park in Seoul on May 28, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Lee also said, "I am concerned that my recent remarks may have left wounds in your hearts, or that our passion may have been dampened as a result," and added, "Everything is my fault. I am deeply sorry and apologetic."
Regarding some calls for his expulsion from the National Assembly, Lee pushed back, calling it resistance from vested interests. He said, "The Democratic Party has gone so far as to openly say that I, Lee Junseok, should be expelled from the National Assembly," and continued, "To bring up the expulsion of a member of the National Assembly?a constitutional institution?as a form of political retaliation for verifying someone's suspicions based on facts and raising issues of public interest ultimately means they believe it would be more convenient for them to crush Lee Junseok now."
Lee also presented a target of 15% of the vote, which is the threshold for election cost reimbursement in this presidential election. He said, "Only if Lee Junseok and the Reform New Party surpass 15% can we establish a foothold to compete confidently for the future of South Korea."
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