Lee Myung-bak Urges Jang Donghyuk to "Unite"... "Victory in Local Elections If We Stand Together"

Jang Donghyuk Visits Senior Conservative Figures for New Year
Lee Myung-bak: "Becoming Reactionary Conservatives Is a Step Backward... Always Put the People First in Politics"

On January 2, former President Lee Myung-bak met with Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and reiterated the need for party unity ahead of the local elections scheduled for June 3.

Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, spoke to reporters after visiting former President Lee at the Cheonggye Foundation office in Seocho-gu, Seoul that morning. He said, "Former President Lee emphasized that the party must come together as one to secure victory in the local elections."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is taking a commemorative photo with former President Lee Myung-bak at Yeongpo Building in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. Photo by Yonhap News

He continued, "He told us that if all 107 members unite, we can surely win the local elections. He also said that allowing the power concentrated in the Democratic Party to extend to local governments would not be beneficial for the country."

Earlier that day, Jang paid a New Year's visit to former President Lee to seek advice on party reform measures and strategies for the local elections. Secretary-General Jeong Heeyong, Chief Spokesperson Park, and Chief of Staff Park Juntae were also present at the meeting.

In the public meeting, former President Lee advised Jang, "You must not become a reactionary conservative. That would be a step backward." He added, "Now is a time for unity, solidarity, and decisive action," stressing, "You must always conduct politics with the people in mind."

He also remarked, "This is a very difficult period for the opposition in political history. Having observed Korean politics for a long time, there have been few times as challenging for the opposition as this year," and noted, "There is much that Chairman Jang must do."

Referring to Jang's 24-hour filibuster at the end of last year, he added, "You showed determination, and I expect you will navigate these tough times well."

Jang took notes on former President Lee's remarks and responded, "This is a time when both integration and unity are necessary, and at times, decisive action is also required. Together with my fellow assembly members, I will strive to embody the warm conservatism, forward-thinking conservatism, and the creative and challenging spirit that former President Lee embraced."