[Current Affairs Show] Lee Eonju: "Lee Hyehoon's 'Subscription Issue' Unacceptable, Public Opinion Very Negative"

The Real Issue with "One Person, One Vote" Is Fairness and Conflict of Interest
Central Committee Vote on the 3rd Could Become a Precursor to the Party Convention
Sponsored Resolution on the Iran Situation

■ Broadcast: The Asia Business Daily's "So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show" (Mon-Fri, 4-5 PM)

■ Host: So Jongsup, Political Specialist ■ Director: Ma Yena, Producer

■ Guest: Lee Eonju, Senior Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea (January 21)

※ When quoting content from this article, please be sure to cite "So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show."

So Jongsup: Hello, everyone. Welcome to "So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show." Today, we are joined by Lee Eonju, Senior Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who also serves as the Chair of the Future Economic Growth Strategy Committee. Thank you for making time to be here despite your busy schedule.

Lee Eonju: Yes, thank you.

So Jongsup: I heard you recently attended CES.

Lee Eonju: I was there for about five days. Since there was a floor leader election, as a member of the leadership, I only attended the exhibition and shortened my schedule to return early. This time, the main focus was on how to utilize AI in our workplaces to boost productivity, and especially on how to industrialize AI. I saw a lot of interesting things. I did feel it was a bit unfortunate that we couldn't see even more, as Chinese companies could have participated more actively.

So Jongsup: Did you feel that AI is becoming more integrated into everyday life?

At CES, Hyundai Motor's Atlas drew attention for practicality and productivity

Lee Eonju: I saw a variety of humanoids. In the case of Hyundai Motor, there was a test drive where you could actually ride in an autonomous vehicle. I was a bit concerned, but after trying it, I found it was Level 4-completely autonomous driving without human intervention. I thought, "No need to worry too much; we are keeping up with the trend."

Chinese humanoids are also impressive, but when it comes to productivity, the application is a bit different. Hyundai Motor seems to focus on robots that can actually perform work on production sites-robots that can think, make decisions, and adapt. Typically, when we think of mechanized robots, they simply repeat whatever is input. What surprised me about Hyundai Motor's Atlas was that its joints could bend 360 degrees. While it may not look flashy, its efficiency is outstanding. I thought its practicality might even surpass its appearance.

Lee Eonju, Senior Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on The Asia Business Daily's "So Jongsup's Current Affairs Show" on the 21st.

So Jongsup: Let's talk about the President's New Year's press conference. What was your overall impression?

Lee Eonju: Wasn't it about explaining the direction of growth under the Lee Jaemyung administration? It wasn't just about growth; there was a certain philosophy behind it. I felt he focused on and categorized the direction of growth. Notably, he emphasized region-led growth. There are issues regarding the integration of Jeonnam-Gwangju and Daejeon-Chungnam. I think this might happen before the local elections. If so, I'm paying close attention to how this experiment will turn out.

So Jongsup: Do you think both regions will be integrated before the local elections?

The President's press conference highlights region-led growth

Lee Eonju: I think they both will. The economic impact of integration will be much greater for Jeonnam-Gwangju. Gwangju is a consumer city, while Jeonnam is a producer city. If these two integrate and maximize efficiency-for example, since energy consumption and production are separated, Gwangju has had to use energy at a high cost as it is distributed nationwide via KEPCO, even though it's produced nearby. But these issues could be dramatically improved. While Gwangju-Jeonnam is somewhat underdeveloped industrially, this integration could bring significant economic benefits.

Some might think only Gwangju will benefit, but in fact, Jeonnam's income will also rise significantly.People inevitably live in cities, but ultimately, whether you live in the city or slightly outside, the important thing is that incomes rise together. Living standards and income-that's what matters.

Daejeon-Chungnam and Gwangju-Jeonnam likely to be integrated before local elections

So Jongsup: There are concerns that the U.S. will impose a 100% tariff on memory semiconductors if companies don't invest in the U.S. What is your perspective?

Lee Eonju: It's a problem. But will they really go as far as 100%? There have always been talks about imposing tariffs on semiconductors, but not about the specific rate. It was uncertain, but now it's being discussed more seriously. I don't think it will be 100%, but I do think tariffs will be imposed. Since they said they won't treat us less favorably than Taiwan, we need to negotiate as best we can.We're number one in the world, but if we yield to U.S. pressure and build factories there, it could undermine our base, so it's not an easy choice. Semiconductors are interconnected in an ecosystem,and recently we've posted large surpluses, but if we comply with U.S. demands, our export base could collapse, especially since our operating margin is huge and we are almost monopolizing the market... Semiconductors are ultimately what protect our national security.No matter what, we must defend them, and since China is catching up, we need to keep developing technology.

So Jongsup: So it's crucial to negotiate with the condition that we are not treated less favorably than Taiwan?

Lee Eonju: It's important to keep advancing our technology, increasing our strategic and scarcity value to boost our bargaining power. Negotiating well is important, but if we become irreplaceable, we can negotiate from a position of strength.

President Lee Jae-myung is answering questions at the New Year's press conference held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News

So Jongsup: The high exchange rate continues. President Lee Jaemyung predicted at the New Year's press conference that the rate would drop to around 1,400 won in a month or two.

Lee Eonju: The exchange rate started rising right after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back, when COVID-19 ended, the U.S. raised interest rates and withdrew the money it had released. But we made a mistake then because the won is not a key currency. We have to closely watch U.S. exchange rates and interest rates and follow their lead.

For example, if the U.S. raises rates and we don't, the interest rate gap widens. We missed the opportunity to raise rates when the U.S. did. It wasn't just a miss; we chose not to. Raising rates would have hindered economic stimulus.I think it was for political reasons. It was during the Yoon Sukyeol administration, and we didn't follow the U.S. lead. As a result, the rate gap became chronic. Now, we are holding rates steady while the U.S. is cutting, so the gap is narrowing a bit. We need to narrow it further. The U.S. will cut more.We should continue holding rates steady and narrow the gap.Then the exchange rate should stabilize.

So Jongsup: Isn't a special measure needed in this situation?

Exchange rate: No silver bullet. Unlikely to rise sharply going forward

Lee Eonju: Even with special measures, there is no silver bullet. It's not something Korea can control alone.Special measures would mean raising rates. But the economy is in bad shape, so raising rates now would be too much of a shock. We should have raised rates along with the U.S. back then, but we missed that chance. Now, even if we want to lower rates as the U.S. does, it's tricky for our economy. Lowering rates now would worsen the exchange rate, so we have to endure and gradually close the gap.Things are expected to improve a bit as KOSPI strengthens, and overseas Korean investorsmay be considering whether to return. I think Korean stocks are still undervalued, and SK Hynix and Samsung Electronicshave room to rise further. U.S. stocks face greater uncertainty in the future,so I expect Korean stocks to perform better for a while, and investors may be weighing their options.

The U.S. dollar is not particularly strong worldwide right now. But it is especially strong in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The U.S. is pressuring these three countries to invest more. So the market expects that these three countries will inevitably invest more in the U.S., which will drive up dollar demand. Recently, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent commented on this. If the exchange rate rises, the U.S. fiscal and trade deficits worsen. It's not in the U.S.'s interest for the rate to keep rising. So I think the U.S. is intervening indirectly.In conclusion, there is little chance the rate will rise sharply.

So Jongsup: Let's talk about politics.Representative Jeong Cheongrae is pushing again for a constitutional amendment to adopt the one-person, one-vote system.

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The real issue with the 'one-person, one-vote system' is not support or opposition, but fairness

Lee Eonju: I've said before that I support the one-person, one-vote system.The problem is that the push for change is too abrupt, which leads to misunderstandings.Whether those are misunderstandings or not, I don't know. People wonder why it's being pushed so aggressively. There will be a party convention this summer, and if this change is made, it will alter the rules for the convention. When making such major rule changes, it's usually done through the Party Convention Preparation Committee, where candidates gather to discuss and ensure fairness. After all, it's about changing the rules.

The convention is just a few months away, so any changes should be discussed with the candidates planning to run. If the current leader, who is almost certain to run and hasn't said otherwise, pushes this change alone as the incumbent, it raises concerns about fairness and conflicts of interest. The last time it was rejected, it wasn't because voters didn't know how to vote.The Central Committee members and party members are highly engaged, but there isn't broad consensus on this issue.So it could be interpreted as a kind of abstention.

This is not just about supporting or opposing the one-person, one-vote system. At this point, it's a very sensitive issue that could affect the balance of power, so fairness is critical.The leader is pushing it now, but critics question whether it's appropriate for someone planning to run to change the rules themselves. Typically, candidates can't change the rules when they are running.So our suggestion is that if the leader would be subject to the new rules, they shouldn't be the one to revise them. Instead, the change should take effect from the next convention, not this one.

So Jongsup: Do you share that view?

Lee Eonju: I didn't make that suggestion, but another Supreme Council member did, and I think it's reasonable and a good idea. It would avoid misunderstandings.The essence of this issue is not support or opposition to the one-person, one-vote system itself, but fairness and conflict of interest.

So Jongsup: So the argument is that it shouldn't be applied to this convention?

Should be discussed by the Party Convention Preparation Committee or applied from the next convention

Lee Eonju: That's about avoiding suspicion of ulterior motives. Or perhaps it should be handled by the Party Convention Preparation Committee, where all stakeholders can coordinate together.

So Jongsup: If the Central Committee decides whether to apply this to the August convention, it could become a major battleground.

Senior Supreme Council Member Lee Eonju predicted, "The Central Committee could serve as a preliminary battle for the party convention."

Lee Eonju: In a way, this could become a preliminary battle for the party convention.That's not desirable. The convention is still months away, and it's not good to see infighting over the rules already. It could divide party members, which I don't think is healthy. While some may calculate who benefits or loses, party members and Central Committee members watch all these processes closely. They assess leadership based on these developments. So, taking things at face value may not help the leader either.

So Jongsup: If it fails to pass again, it would be a significant blow to Representative Jeong.

Lee Eonju: That's possible, so he'll likely put all his effort into it.But that's not desirable. There are so many pressing issues right now.If the ruling party is already fighting over this, and party members are arguing, it's not healthy. I suggest we discuss this later, closer to the convention, within the Party Convention Preparation Committee.

So Jongsup: The media often uses terms like pro-Myung, pro-Cheong, and the Myung-Cheong battle. Politicians use them, too. What do you think?

The party leader shouldn't reveal personal ambitions early in the president's term

Lee Eonju: That's not normal. The president's term isn't even a year old, so these issues shouldn't be arising. The very fact that these controversies exist is problematic. It's very concerning, and my view is that we should not be having these debates.The president has been in office for less than a year, yet there's fighting over the direction of power and the rules to achieve that, and even conflict of interest issues are surfacing. The timing is also highly inappropriate.If I were the leader, even if it benefited me, I wouldn't push for this now, considering the country and the party.Maybe toward the end of the president's term, but not now. So I find this regrettable.

So Jongsup: Jokingly, someone asked, "Are you anti-Myung?" Doesn't the president feel disappointed with the party?

Lee Eonju: The president probably isn't comfortable. Usually, the ruling party or its leader doesn't reveal personal ambitions early in the president's term.

So Jongsup: The situation is said to be critical. What is your view on Representative Jang Donghyuk's hunger strike?

Lee Eonju: It's unfortunate that the opposition leader is on a hunger strike. But honestly, I don't really understand the reason for the hunger strike. What exactly is he demanding?

So Jongsup: Isn't he demanding special investigations into the Unification Church and nomination bribes?

Lee Eonju: We're not saying no to a special investigation into the Unification Church, so the real point is that he doesn't want a special investigation into Shincheonji.

So Jongsup: The People Power Party did agree to separate the investigations.

Song Unseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held on the 22nd in the National Assembly Rotunda, where Jang Donghyuk, the representative, has been on a hunger strike for eight days demanding a dual special investigation into the Unification Church and nomination bribes. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

I don't know why Representative Jang Donghyuk is on a hunger strike; I have nothing to say if I visit

Lee Eonju: That's how it was summarized yesterday. I think it's worth discussing whythey need to be handled separately,and whether it's really necessary to do it that way.I don't really understand why they can't be combined.As for the nomination bribe issue, it's very serious, but it's already under active investigation.Calling for a special investigation now doesn't seem appropriate.Politically, it lacks justification, so I don't really understand the hunger strike. That's why I have nothing to say if I visit.

So Jongsup: Still, isn't it a bit odd that no one from the ruling party has visited the opposition leader during his hunger strike?

Lee Eonju: I do think someone could visit, but if you go, you can't just say nothing. So it's a dilemma. Last time, he also did a 24-hour filibuster,and he seems to be making a show of putting himself on the line. But it feels more like an internal strategy than a genuine effort to advance dialogue with us.

So Jongsup: There are many allegations against nominee Lee Hyehoon. The ruling and opposition parties have agreed to hold a confirmation hearing on the 23rd. What do you think?

Lee Eonju: I was initially opposed to this nominee.

So Jongsup: Why?

Lee Hyehoon: The subscription issue is very serious. It's unacceptable.

Lee Eonju: Are we including "Yoon Again" in the integration target? I've consistently said that "Yoon Again" should not be included. For conservatism to develop healthily, there must be standards for integration and inclusion. The subsequent allegations came out later, and there have been so many...

So Jongsup: There have been more than 100 exclusive reports.

Lee Eonju: I haven't even seen them all. But above all, there's one thing that the public simply cannot accept.

So Jongsup: What is that?

Lee Eonju: The subscription issue is very serious. I think it's simply unacceptable. Who would agree with that? Regardless of political affiliation, this is a huge burden for the president. Until now, the criticism was directed at the nominee personally.But now, depending on the president's decision, criticism could also be directed at him. That's what concerns me. Public opinion is very negative.Whether the nomination is pushed through or withdrawn, it should be based on the trend of public opinion.It shouldn't be done against public opinion.

So Jongsup: Hasn't public opinion already reached a conclusion?

After the hearing, the decision should be made seriously according to public opinion

Lee Eonju: That's why I think there should be a hearing. The nominee should have a chance to explain, and public opinion could possibly change as a result. Although that's unlikely, it's better to provide that opportunity than to make a decision without it. If public opinion overwhelmingly shifts to one side, then a serious decision should be made.

So Jongsup: One last question. On the 16th, you sponsored a resolution regarding the Iran situation, and 77 lawmakers from both parties joined?

Lee Eonju: This is not a matter of taking sides, but a universal human rights issue. I decided to take action after seeing the situation-of course, the protesters may have provoked things, and there are many factors.But security forces fired on the protesters, resulting in many casualties-some say as many as20,000 people. Now,the situation is completely locked down, so we can't get information, which is why there's no news coverage.It reminded me of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.I wondered if we were like this, too. It also reminded me of the April 3 Incident. I felt we couldn't remain silent. We have a long diplomatic relationship with Iran.I felt the National Assembly had to speak out to prevent further loss of life, so I introduced the resolution.Afterward, I was contacted by the Iranian side. From what I heard, their perspective is very different."We cannot tolerate any more loss of life. Depending on this, the National Assembly may pass the resolution quickly or wait and see," they said.

Sponsored the 'Resolution on the Iran Situation' with participation from 77 lawmakers across parties

So Jongsup: The fact that lawmakers came together to issue a resolution is meaningful in itself.

Lee Eonju: I also want to emphasize that, despite the strained relationship between the ruling and opposition parties-such as the opposition leader's hunger strike-People Power Party lawmakers also joined.Lawmakers like Ahn Cheolsoo, Cho Kyungtae, Lee Cheolgyu, Choi Hyungdu, Kwon Youngse, and Kim Daesik participated.Han Changmin, leader of the Social Democratic Party, as well as Park Eunjung and Jeong Chunseong of the Progressive Innovation Party, also joined.On such universal issues, I felt that there was agreement from the entire political spectrum.

So Jongsup: I hope you continue to do such meaningful work. It must be rewarding. We'll end here. Thank you for your insights today, Assemblywoman Lee.

Lee Eonju: Thank you.