Is Lee Jin-sook Transitioning from Daegu Mayor to National Assembly? Insights on Her Political Future

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Lee Jun-woo, the People Power Party’s media spokesperson, said he understands that former Korea Communications Commission chair Lee Jin-sook responded positively to party leader Jang Dong-hyuk’s request to enter the National Assembly.

On April 22, he told Maeil Shinmun’s YouTube program Ilta News that Jang and Lee met privately late last week and held an in-depth conversation over drinks.

He said Jang urged her to join the Assembly and to contest seats on the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, where she has expertise. Jang also conveyed concerns that, under Chair Choi Min-hee, the People Power Party has not been able to fully demonstrate its capabilities.

He added that he believes Lee gave a positive response to that request.

The spokesperson said Lee is more likely to enter the Assembly via a by-election than to run for Daegu mayor. He argued that if the primary produces either Rep. Choo Kyung-ho or Rep. Yoo Young-ha as the candidate, Lee’s chances of entering the Assembly through the ensuing by-election would rise significantly.

He rejected Rep. Joo Ho-young’s suggestion of unification. From Rep. Joo’s perspective, it appears he proposed an alliance with Lee as a last-ditch effort, but given the substantial gap in support, the likelihood of that materializing is low, he said.

He also noted that while Rep. Joo publicly claimed they met twice and agreed to unite, that account reflects Joo’s side; Lee’s clear position has not been confirmed.