Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate of the Reform Party, noted on the 15th that 'the People Power Party has been saying the same things since the end of the primary election, as if they were 'unified under a single banner.' He added that Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is trying to conduct a 'dark election' by refusing a TV debate proposal.
On that day, the candidate met with reporters at Seoul National University of Education in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and said, 'It seems like only Lee Jun-seok is running for president.'
The candidate said, 'I wonder if the People Power Party can prevent Lee Jae-myung, who is leading in public opinion polls with a strategy like 'unified under a single banner.'
He continued, 'Recently, there have been at least four to five debate proposals from academic conferences and broadcasting stations, but all have fallen through,' and expressed doubt that 'especially candidate Lee Jae-myung is not responding to the debate proposals.' He added, 'Candidate Lee Jae-myung has too many pledges that violate basic economic principles, and it seems he is trying to avoid being criticized for them.'
The candidate commented on the People Power Party's recent announcement to 'cancel the disciplinary action against Lee Jun-seok,' stating, 'There are many people who were harmed by the unreasonable discipline the People Power Party imposed at that time.' He pointed out, 'What the People Power Party used to do well was to at least kneel down and apologize, but now they don't even do that. There should be some physical action taken.'
On the 15th, the Central Ethics Committee of the People Power Party announced that 'candidate Lee Jun-seok was approved for 'cancellation of disciplinary action' in the Supreme Council for party unity on Nov. 2, 2023.'
The former representative was previously suspended for six months from party membership due to allegations of 'concealment of evidence for sexual bribery' (later concluded as not guilty) and repeated public criticisms against then-President Yoon Suk-yeol and the party (violation of duty to maintain dignity).
After that, he repeatedly filed applications for the suspension of the emergency response committee's effectiveness, and the party decided to extend the suspension period for an additional year, resulting in a total of 1 year and 6 months of party membership suspension.
Regarding independent lawmaker Kim Sang-wook, who declared support for candidate Lee Jae-myung after leaving the People Power Party, he said, 'He seems likely to go to the Democratic Party through this kind of move.'
The candidate said, 'Not long ago, I contacted him and said I couldn't recommend joining the Reform Party, as it would be difficult.' He added, 'So, if lawmaker Kim Sang-wook wants to find an easier option, it seems the only choice left is the Democratic Party.'