During the Final Debate for People Power Party Leadership Candidates
Ahn Cheolsoo Chooses "Lee Junseok," Others Select "Hong Joonpyo"
During the final debate for the People Power Party’s leadership candidates, when candidate Ahn Cheolsoo named Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, as the person who should be reinstated, Lee praised Ahn, saying, "He is right and strong." On the 19th, Lee shared a photo of candidate Ahn, who chose him in response to the question "If you could reinstate just one person to the People Power Party, who would it be?" on his social media, along with the message, "DASH Ahn Cheolsoo!" to show his support.
Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, is appearing on the Asia Economy Current Affairs Show at the National Assembly on the 5th, interviewing with specialist So Jongseop. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Lee commented, "Since the recent martial law crisis, Representative Ahn Cheolsoo’s sense of urgency and his messages have been straightforward and to the point." He continued, "If someone were to ask me what is needed for politics to stand upright, I would answer 'courage.' What’s the use of fighting for independence in your head? If you don’t act on it like Representative Ahn, it’s all empty words." He added, "Wouldn’t someone like Representative Ahn, who has experienced many important elections, be tempted to make populist remarks during a campaign? Just a few days ago, I took a photo of him holding a banner opposing the pardons for Cho Kuk and Yoon Meehyang. I thought someone should document that moment from an angle that photojournalists might not have been able to see."
Earlier that afternoon, during the third debate for the People Power Party’s August 22nd national convention leadership candidates, the question "If you could reinstate just one person to the People Power Party, who would it be?" was posed to candidates Kim Moonsoo, Ahn Cheolsoo, Jang Donghyuk, and Cho Kyungtae. As examples, former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo and Lee Junseok were mentioned. All three candidates chose former Mayor Hong, but only candidate Ahn chose "Lee Junseok."
On the afternoon of the 19th, during the TV debate for the People Power Party's presidential candidates, when asked "Among former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo and Reform New Party leader Lee Junseok, who would you like to reinstate?" only candidate Ahn Cheolsoo answered "Lee Junseok." TV Chosun
Candidate Ahn said, "Lee Junseok is a symbol of the 2030 generation," and added, "As someone from a science and engineering background, he has extensive knowledge that can greatly contribute to the development of our economy," expressing his support for Lee’s reinstatement. Candidate Kim Moonsoo stated, "Former Mayor Hong is a comrade of the People Power Party. We have shared both hardships and successes, and participated together in the primaries, so it is unfortunate that he is not with us now. I definitely want to bring him back."
Candidate Jang Donghyuk explained, "Former Mayor Hong has always stood by the People Power Party during difficult times. Although he left the party due to various grievances during the presidential primary, he still cares deeply for our party." Candidate Cho Kyungtae also remarked, "Former Mayor Hong is an excellent politician who truly embodies conservative values. Since Hong Joonpyo and Lee Junseok are very close, I believe we can open a path for both of them to return together."
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