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Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform New Party, addressed speculation that former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo might be tapped as prime minister. “Ironically, Democratic Party lawmakers fear Hong’s capacity to assert control,” he said. “In my view, President Lee Jae-myung might even welcome that. When Rep. Jeong Cheong-rae speaks out, having Hong as prime minister would, in a word, rein him in.”
On the 23rd, Lee told BBS Radio’s Geum Tae-seop’s Morning Journal, “Prime Minister Kim Min-seok would find that role difficult right now. I don’t know what the president is thinking, but if that’s his intention, it could be a reasonable card to play.”
Lee cautioned that it was unlikely Hong would join President Lee’s cabinet, saying, “I don’t know the president’s thinking, but Democratic Party lawmakers—who already allow Rep. Jeong to speak his mind—feel it would be hard to accommodate someone with that disposition as prime minister.”
On the June 3 local elections, Lee said, “Even ten bodies wouldn’t be enough,” and urged South Korean voters: “So far you’ve had this president and the People Power Party; if you make the same choice again, you’ll get the same result. You reap what you sow. This time, let’s plant something new.”
“That’s why I say let’s plant an orange tree,” he added. “After all the same choices we’ve tried, it’s difficult to expect a different outcome. If you make a new choice, you’ll get a new result. The Reform New Party will play a role by emphasizing a rational, deliberative approach.”
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