Inhoon Hwang's Candidacy Declaration Met with "Hope for Healthy Competition," Lee Nak-yeon Holds Back Comments, Saying "I'm Busy with My Own Duties"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon expressed his position of "expecting fair competition" regarding Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, declaring his candidacy for Jongno. Former Prime Minister Lee plans to continue "strengthening his base in Jongno" as he has done so far.

On the afternoon of the 7th, Lee's side issued a statement immediately after Hwang's candidacy announcement, saying, "We expect fair competition for the future of Jongno and the Republic of Korea." They added, "There is nothing further to say to the media."

On the previous day, after meeting with Kim Tae-young, co-chairman of the Korea Christian Federation, Lee met with reporters and responded to a question about "someone other than Hwang being mentioned as the Liberty Korea Party's candidate for Jongno" by saying, "I am busy with my own work" and "I do not have deep interest in that."

He also added, "Compared to usual elections, the preparation and campaign period is very short, so I have to hurry to study Jongno and meet people, but due to the coronavirus situation, there are many restrictions," and said, "I am at a stage where time is tight because I am going to the field or holding meetings."

On the same day as Hwang's candidacy announcement, former Prime Minister Lee continued his on-site schedule, including meetings with professional organizations in the Jongno area. In the morning, he also expressed his intention to accept the position of honorary chairman of the support committee for Baek Hye-ryun, a member of the Democratic Party, and former judge Lee Tan-hee. So far, a total of 10 candidates, including Democratic Party members Kang Hoon-sik, Kim Byung-kwan, and Kim Byung-wook, have had Lee agree to serve as honorary chairman of their support committees.

Meanwhile, at a press conference held at the National Assembly in the afternoon, Hwang said, "I will stand at the forefront of judging the Moon Jae-in administration," and declared, "I, Hwang Kyo-ahn, announce my candidacy for the Jongno district." Regarding the delay in declaring his candidacy for Jongno, Hwang explained, "Having relinquished the vested right of nomination, what would I refuse?" and added, "Since integration discussions are actively underway, I thought it was inappropriate for me, as party leader, to announce my position on the general election first."

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