Lee Nak-yeon: "I will engage in a gentlemanly competition with Hwang Kyo-ahn... This general election is a turning point in history"

"Goal is to secure the maximum possible seats"
Regarding the 'disability slur' controversy, "We must be more sensitive to the people's pain"

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon held a press conference with the Democratic Party leadership on the 23rd at Yongsan Station in Seoul after greeting returning travelers. At this event, Lee stated that he would "accept with honor and responsibility" the joint campaign committee chair position proposed by the party and his candidacy for Jongno, Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon has officially declared his candidacy for Jongno. He will also take on the role of the Democratic Party's election campaign committee chairman. Lee said, "This general election will be a turning point in history," adding, "I hope to have a gentlemanly competition with Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party."

On the morning of the 23rd, Lee held a press conference right after greeting voters at Yongsan Station and said, "I, who am very lacking, was offered the position of joint standing election campaign committee chairman and candidacy for Seoul Jongno by Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan yesterday," adding, "I solemnly accept Leader Lee's proposal."

Lee expressed his aspirations, saying, "I will refrain from low-level political strife that only causes anxiety without helping the people. Instead, I will maintain trust and dignity and approach the election with humility and sincerity."

He continued, "Although there are still procedural matters to be decided, I intend to go somewhere in Jongno tomorrow to offer Lunar New Year greetings while fully complying with election laws."

When asked about his thoughts on Leader Hwang, who is rumored to run in Jongno, Lee said, "I think it is inappropriate to comment on the decisions of the opposing party," but added, "However, personally, I hope for a gentlemanly competition."

Regarding future strategies as the Democratic Party's election campaign chairman, he said, "We have not yet discussed specific opinions," adding, "The goal is to secure the maximum possible number of seats." He also emphasized, "First, it is important how smoothly the nomination process proceeds," and added, "I hope nominations are made according to certain standards and principles so that the maximum number of people can accept them."

When asked what he thinks will be the criteria for the people's judgment in this general election, Lee replied, "I believe there are people struggling today and worried about tomorrow. The key will be what kind of trust we can give to those people."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding criticism from members of the Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities toward the Democratic Party leadership during their Lunar New Year greetings about Leader Lee's derogatory remarks about persons with disabilities, he said, "I understand that he has apologized several times, but I also feel sorry. I think everyone needs to be more sensitive to the pain of the people going forward."

However, concerning the prosecution's investigation of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, Lee said, "Since prosecutorial power is also public authority, it must be strictly enforced, but at the same time, the exercise of power may involve restrictions on the human rights and fundamental rights of individual citizens, so I consistently believe that restraint is necessary."

Lee emphasized, "This general election will be another turning point in history."

He said, "The Moon Jae-in administration has inherent challenges," adding, "There was the unprecedented impeachment of a sitting president in constitutional history, and the anger and demands of the majority of the people were expressed during the process leading up to and following the impeachment." He further stated, "Although a certain direction for resolving that anger has been established so far, it is difficult to say that everything has been resolved," and added, "I believe this election will greatly influence whether the implementation of those inherent challenges will be accelerated or delayed again."

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