'Comeback' Lee Nak-yeon Officially Starts General Election Campaign... "I Will Do What Needs to Be Done in Consultation with the Party"

Appointed as Senior Advisor to Support General Election
Likely to Serve as Future Campaign Headquarters Chief
Jongno Maintenance - Testing Ground for Presidential Ambitions

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon attended the Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th and received a congratulatory bouquet for his return to the party from Representative Lee Hae-chan. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doo7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Won Dara] Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon has made a comeback to Yeouido after six years. He is expected to take on a key role in this general election, drawing attention to whether this will serve as a stepping stone for his next presidential bid.

On the 15th, at a welcoming ceremony held just before the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting, Lee stated, "I will faithfully carry out the tasks I must and can do while consulting with the party on everything."

After receiving a bouquet from Representative Lee Hae-chan, he jokingly said, "I received flowers from the world's top flower child (Representative Lee). I am deeply moved."

The Democratic Party appointed Lee as a standing advisor that day. Standing advisors, usually former party leaders or senior figures of equivalent status, provide counsel to the party leader and the Supreme Council and can offer opinions on party affairs.

Representative Lee expressed his expectations, saying, "We are honored to have former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon as a standing advisor. Party members and the public will never forget his dedication. Based on his experience in national governance, he will play a significant role, and the party feels as if it has gained a great advantage."

Until the launch of the election campaign committee, former Prime Minister Lee is expected to come to the party headquarters regularly to support the preparation of election strategies. Once the campaign committee is formed, it is anticipated that he will serve as a co-chairman, leading the general election efforts in the metropolitan area.

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon is answering reporters' questions as he leaves the meeting room after attending the Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doo7@

After the welcoming ceremony, Lee met with reporters and said about his role in the general election, "Representative Lee only mentioned that it would be a key role but did not specify details. When the campaign committee starts its activities, I suppose I will do something as part of it."

When asked what his top priority is in this general election, he replied, "It is not appropriate to rush or pressure before the party decides what role it wants me to play. I will perform the role that fits depending on how it is adjusted."

Regarding when he plans to decide on running in the election, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "I am curious too." He added, "Until the party assigns me a role, I think I will handle minor schedules."

This general election is also a significant political turning point for former Prime Minister Lee personally. Given that he currently leads the presidential preference polls, a victory in the general election would be seen as a solid foundation for his presidential ambitions.

The first hurdle Lee must overcome is defending Jongno, known as the "political number one district." He recently signed a lease for an apartment in Jongno-gu, Seoul, effectively confirming his candidacy there. In political circles, a showdown with Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party and his biggest rival for the next presidency, is anticipated. This is being referred to as a "preview of the presidential election."

Given the ruling party's approval ratings and public opinion trends, some voices predict Lee's victory. Park Ji-won, a member of the Alternative New Party, appeared on a radio show that day and forecasted, "If Representative Hwang runs in Jongno, it will be a 'big match,' and I believe former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon will win overwhelmingly." He added, "Representative Hwang lost a very good opportunity two years ago in Changwon Seongsan. I think he will not run in Jongno."

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