Lee Lays Plans for Saenuri's Future

Lee Jung Hyun, the chairman of the Saenuri Party said that for the presidential primary, the Party will welcome all contenders, even those outside the party, and adds that he would focus on the preparations for the 2017 presidential election.

Aside from this, Lee, who is also known as a close ally of President Park Geun Hye, has to supervise his Party and solve internal conflicts between those who are loyal to Park and her adversaries.

On Saturday, he discussed his vision for the campaign and programs to rebuild public trust in the government and put an end to the internal division of the party during his interview with the JoongAng Ilbo. This marked his first interview after being appointed chairman of the party by President Park.

Based on an article on Korea JoongAng Daily website, Lee revoked allegations that he is less interested in the presidential campaign than assisting Park. He previously said that although the Saenuri's presidential campaign is important, it is more crucial to focus on state affairs.

According to him, "You don't win an election by having a goal. The voters will make decisions based on their evaluations toward the current administration. That is why I said the top priority is the current administration's success. The Saenuri Party was united in bringing about Park's victory and it became the ruling party. The government and the ruling party share responsibilities. Park still has one year and six months left in her five-year presidential term. Only when this administration's performance is positively evaluated can we create a strong foundation for winning the next presidential election. Therefore, the best resolution to support the next presidential candidate is supporting this administration to succeed."

He also said that he will work on choosing the next presidential aspirant and executing a campaign.

"All contenders, about six or seven currently being talked about, must run. If those outside the party want to make bids, they should join our party. We won't just open up the primary to everyone, but we will also recruit strong candidates. And we will make them compete fiercely for three to five months. And then public opinion polls will take place to drop one candidate every week, narrowing down the top contenders, just like Superstar K (Superstar K is a famous TV audition show for singers). The last two or three will have the final match at the National Convention."

Lee also added that he will welcome anyone with talent regardless of their faction in the ruling party. "Even if they are underdogs, I will embrace them if the party needs them. It is also wrong to try to avoid hiring talented people just because they are mainstream Park loyalists."

When asked if he will pursue the path for the presidency, Lee did not give a clear-cut answer.

"I have accomplished all my worldly goals. Becoming party chairman is something you can achieve if you try, but you cannot become president just with your determination. I never entered politics to hold a position. If I can represent the underdogs and the common people, and they can live happier lives, then I can say I accomplished all my political goals," he ended.