KBS Radio ‘Rapid Current Affairs’ Interview
“Easiest Opponent, Must Overcome Fear”, Yoo Seung-min, former member of the People Power Party (left), and Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Newsis
Former member Yoo Seung-min of the People Power Party targeted Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is considered the most promising presidential candidate from the opposition, describing him as “the easiest opponent we will face.”
Appearing on KBS Radio’s ‘Rapid Current Affairs’ on the 26th, Yoo called on the ruling party to “overcome their fear of Lee, the so-called ‘Lee Jae-myung phobia.’”
Yoo argued, “If President Yoon Suk-yeol became a felon due to destroying the constitution through martial law, Lee has several dirty ‘small-time crook’ level judicial risks” and asserted, “Above all, the public has a definite anxiety over where the country, economy, and security will go if Lee becomes president.”
He continued, “If we focus on highlighting these points about Lee and present a candidate from our side who can genuinely attract moderate conservative votes, Lee would become the easiest opponent.”
Regarding the rise in Lee’s approval ratings in various opinion polls following the impeachment affair, Yoo said, “A recent opinion poll showed Lee’s approval rating at 37%, which means the remaining 63% do not support him, highlighting his limitations.” He added sarcastically, “But despite this, Lee acts arrogantly, as if he has already become president.”
Yoo also commented, “Despite the mistakes made by President Yoon and the People Power Party, people are still reluctant to support Lee.”
Concerning remarks by some senior ruling party members suggesting they might run for presidency, Yoo noted, “The Constitutional Court hasn’t even started the impeachment trial, and our party’s stance is not organized, which leads to public criticism.” He criticized, “It doesn’t make sense for anyone to step forward and say, ‘I will run for president’ now.”
Additionally, he stressed the need to watch the results of the so-called ‘Myeong-Tae-Kyun Gate’ investigation, saying, “Potential candidates involved in the Myeong-Tae-Kyun Gate, if evidence of illegality is revealed, will find it difficult to run for president. We can’t endorse such candidates.”