South Korean Party Unity: 이준석 and 이낙연 Co-Lead without Controversy

South Korean News: 이준석 and 이낙연 to Co-Lead Party without Controversy

Source: 동아일보

이준석, the representative of the 개혁신당 party, announced on the 9th that he will work towards regaining leadership alongside 이낙연. In an appearance on the YouTube channel ‘여의도재건축조합’, 이준석 discussed the consolidation of four factions within the party.

Regarding the timing of the announcement, 이준석 mentioned that the goal was to reach an agreement earlier than the current timeline, considering the Lunar New Year. He emphasized the importance of securing a single party symbol, stating that it was necessary due to the upcoming local constituency elections. He expressed confidence in securing an additional seat to ensure the party’s unity.

When asked about potential controversy in the co-leadership between 이준석 and 이낙연, 이준석 reassured that there would be no concerns. He also acknowledged the need for 이낙연, who has low popularity within the party, to regain leadership.

Survey Results and Party Unity

Regarding the survey conducted by 개혁신당 among party members to assess their preferences for party unity, 이준석 stated that he could not disclose the results at this time. He explained that the decision on local constituencies depends on stabilizing all variables and discussions within the party.

In terms of the proportional representative candidate list, 이준석 expressed that there were no concerns about the composition of the list. He mentioned that it would be difficult for certain individuals, such as feminists and 전장연, to secure a position in the proportional representation selection process. He also stated a preference for an open competition in determining the list and expressed opposition to the allocation system.

Party Membership and Future Prospects

Regarding 배복주, 이준석 clarified that he confirmed 배복주’s status as not being a member of the 개혁신당 party. He explained that it would be challenging for someone with significant controversy to join the party and run as a proportional representative in the National Assembly. He also mentioned that there were proposals and agreements concerning 류호정, but the details of the agreement could not be disclosed due to potential negative consequences.

When questioned about the sustainability of the 통합 신당 party after the general elections, 이준석 expressed confidence, stating that no one within the party intends to split it. He believed that if the party gains a significant number of seats in the general elections and builds sufficient trust, it will be able to sustain itself. He also mentioned that a single representative would be chosen through a party congress, and the party name would be reconsidered.

Leadership and Ideological Stand

Regarding the role of 김종인 in leading the 통합 신당 party, 이준석 clarified that 김종인 did not lead the consolidation. He acknowledged that it is difficult to categorize the party’s ideological inclination as either conservative or progressive due to the presence of parties targeted for unification. However, he emphasized that certain policy stances, such as abolishing free rides for the elderly and the women’s hopeful military service, would be maintained.

As South Korea prepares for the upcoming elections, the co-leadership between 이준석 and 이낙연 aims to lead the party without controversy. 이준석’s efforts to regain leadership and ensure party unity, along with his confidence in the party’s sustainability, will shape the future of the political landscape in South Korea.