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Lee Jun-seok, presidential candidate of the New Reform Party, raises his fist during a meeting hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on April 22. / Source: Yonhap News

Lee Jun-seok, presidential candidate of the New Reform Party, firmly rejected ongoing speculation about a potential unification with ruling People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo during a press conference at the National Assembly on April 22. Amid recent polls showing him with double-digit support, Lee reaffirmed his determination to run to the end.

“The moment for strategic choice and reversal is approaching,” Lee declared. “In this presidential election, Lee Jun-seok and the New Reform Party will win under our own name.”

Explaining his refusal to yield to pressure from within and outside the political arena, Lee said, “The reason we remain unshaken despite external persuasion and pressure is because we have a clear vision of the Republic of Korea we want to create.” He argued that recent polling data proves “a strategic choice for Lee Jun-seok” is the only viable equation for defeating Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung.

“We do not envision a nation of reckless populists wasting taxpayer money, nor do we want a country governed by a tyrant who declares martial law,” he said. “What we stand for is a society where reason and science are respected, and where we can say what is right and what is wrong without fear.”

Lee also drew a historical analogy, saying, “We are not building a kingdom ruled by an incompetent emperor like Commodus who mocks the people even when proven wrong.”

In a pointed jab at his conservative rivals, he continued, “We don’t want to replace Yoon Suk Yeol only to see another version of him in a blue jacket or a smaller clone in red emerge. We want a president who can engage freely and sensibly with global leaders, sleeves rolled up, grounded in common sense and competence.”

Making a direct appeal to voters, Lee said, “There are 12 days left until the June 3 election. On your ballot, you’ll find my name next to No. 4: Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party. Press your stamp firmly in the empty box on the right. It will be the most empowering vote you can cast for your today and tomorrow.”

Lee also invoked the legacy of former President Roh Moo-hyun ahead of the 16th anniversary of Roh’s passing on April 23. “Like President Roh, who always chose to confront challenges head-on rather than engage in backroom deals, I ask you to take a leap with Lee Jun-seok this time,” he said. “We will not merely rotate power—we will bring true change. We will earn the people’s trust through ability, not rhetoric.”