Lee Jae-jung: "Conservative Unification That Doesn't Move a Step from Its Seat Is Just a Single Line"

"Opposition, Shouting for Unity Without Moving an Inch from Their Seats"

Lee Jae-jung, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, evaluated on the 7th that "the current opposition unity, which does not move a step from its seated position, is just a single shot."
/Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Suwan] Lee Jae-jung, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, evaluated on the 7th that "the current opposition unity, which does not move a single step from its seated position, is just a short news item."

On the same day, Lee appeared on YTN Radio's 'Noh Young-hee's Start of a New Morning' and said, "Currently, the opposition does not show any explosive or maximized effective unity by conceding their respective positions on various incidents that occurred before the factions within the opposition split and seeking the public's consent."

He continued, "Usually, when the opposition unites, the ruling party should be afraid," adding, "(But) the current opposition unity was just seen as a short news item."

Regarding the postponement of the National Assembly plenary session, Lee said, "Bills related to people's livelihoods that should have been passed last year must be quickly passed by prioritizing them. Especially, there are many urgent bills related to living expenses, such as the elderly pension, which must be executed in early to mid-January," and pointed out, "If neglected any longer, the National Assembly may have to bear not just a degree of responsibility but actual, concrete responsibility."

In particular, about President Moon Jae-in's cabinet reshuffle the day before, he said, "New secretarial and officer positions were established focusing on core state affairs," adding, "For example, the Digital Innovation Secretary is related to what is commonly called the 'Three Data Laws.' Various bills related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution are distributed across each standing committee."

He continued, "Also, new officers were appointed to take a more leading role in overcoming the Japan-related economic crisis and bills related to the materials, parts, and equipment industry. Above all, a separate officer was newly appointed to focus on the defense industry, which, despite massive investments, has not received commensurate evaluation and requires specialized consideration."

Finally, regarding the relationship between the ruling and opposition parties, he said, "It is right to be flexible not only in personal relationships but also in party-to-party relations," adding, "(However) when Lee Jae-jung says 'Why fight? Embrace,' as an individual, I can concede anything for the sake of relationships, but values exist to maximize the public interest. When the best compromise is sought, it is natural to have conflicts, so please do not taboo disputes too much, but rather watch carefully so that they can fight well."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.