Lee Hae-chan: "Possibility of up to 200 regional primaries, the largest ever... 'Rush to join the Democratic Party'"

"Primaries Are the Principle... No Special Treatment or Discrimination"
"Rush to Join Party Is a Sign That People See a Bright Future for the Democratic Party"

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doo7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said regarding this year's general election, "Since primaries are the principle, there is a possibility of holding primaries in up to 200 constituencies," adding, "We will ensure that the candidate selection is conducted fairly." Regarding recent talent recruitment and subsequent declarations of party membership, he emphasized, "There is a rush of people joining the Democratic Party," and "This is a sign that the public views the future of the Democratic Party positively."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 15th, Lee said, "With the launch of the Candidate Selection Committee, we are entering the full-fledged candidate screening phase," and added, "There will be no special favors or discrimination under any circumstances."

He stated, "There is a possibility of holding primaries in nearly 200 constituencies, the largest ever," and said, "Primaries will be the principle, and strategic nominations will be limited only when there are reasonable grounds that the public can accept. We will make every effort to ensure that candidate selection is objective and fair."

Regarding the recent ongoing talent recruitment and party membership, Lee said, "In the Democratic Party, not only those scouted through talent recruitment but also many with government experience are participating," and added, "So many diverse and broad individuals are joining that it can be called a rush of party membership." He emphasized, "This shows that the Democratic Party represents a variety of people and that the public views the future of the Democratic Party positively," and said, "We will work to realize this."

Regarding the completion of all fast-track bills, Lee evaluated, "The 20th National Assembly has been criticized as an inactive assembly, but looking back, the 20th National Assembly successfully completed important legislation such as the presidential impeachment, election law, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials Act, and the adjustment of investigative authority between the police and prosecutors."

He added, "It was a difficult and challenging time, but it was possible thanks to the support of all citizens," and said, "We will open the February National Assembly session to pass the remaining livelihood bills that have not yet been approved."

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