Democratic Party Returnee Lee Nak-yeon "Moved to Jongno, but Candidacy Should Be Decided by the Party" (Comprehensive)

Lee Hae-chan "Gained a Thousand Troops... Please Play a Key Role in the General Election"

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon attended the Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th, shouting "Fighting" together with Representative Lee Hae-chan and the Supreme Council members. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doo7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon has officially returned to the Democratic Party of Korea. Regarding whether he will run in Jongno, Lee said, "I will wait for the party's decision," avoiding a definite answer. Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan said to Lee, "It feels like we have gained a great ally," and added, "When the election committee is formed, I ask you to play a key role."

At the party return ceremony held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 15th, Lee said, "Thank you for warmly welcoming me despite my shortcomings," and "From now on, I will consult with the party on everything and faithfully carry out what I must and can do." When Lee Hae-chan presented him with a bouquet, Lee expressed his gratitude, saying, "I received flowers from the highest-ranking flower boy," and "I am deeply moved."

Lee did not clearly state his future plans that day. When asked by reporters right after the return ceremony whether he would run in Jongno, Lee said, "It is true that I have moved to Jongno," but added, "The decision-making authority is the party, and I can only act once the party decides."

When asked when he expects to decide on running in the general election, he replied, "I am curious too," avoiding a direct answer. He said, "When the election committee begins its activities, I will probably do something as part of it," and "Until the party assigns me a role, I think I will have to handle minor schedules."

Regarding the dinner with President Moon Jae-in the previous day, Lee said, "It was a casual gathering where President Moon and his wife, the current and former prime ministers, and the chief of staff shared a few glasses of Makgeolli and talked about what has happened so far." He added, "There was praise for Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun's communication with residents and diligence, and about me, there was mention of having visited many sites."

Leader Lee welcomed Lee Nak-yeon's return, saying, "It feels like we have gained a great ally."

Leader Lee said, "Lee Nak-yeon fulfilled his role as prime minister for two years and eight months and has returned," adding, "For the party, it feels like we have gained a great ally." He continued, "As the first prime minister of the Moon Jae-in administration, Lee devoted himself to stable state affairs and set the record for the longest-serving prime minister. He expressed regret about not being able to enjoy retirement like a true retiree, but since this general election is very important, we could not tell him to rest and welcomed him to the party."

He added, "There is much to be done," and said, "When the election committee is formed, I ask you to play a key role based on your experience and knowledge. The people and the party will never forget your dedication."

Democratic Party floor leader Lee In-young, at the supreme council meeting following the return ceremony, said, "The stable leadership of the Moon Jae-in government, which was launched without a transition committee, and laying the foundation for overall state affairs were largely due to former Prime Minister Lee's efforts," and "I sincerely welcome his return." He also said, "Now that he has returned to the party, I hope he will play a major role in our party's victory in the general election."

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