Party Leader Candidates on Alert Over Lee Nak-yeon's Candidacy Deliberation

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] There is an interpretation that Lee Nak-yeon, chairman of the Democratic Party's COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee, has officially begun his bid for party leadership as he has been holding consecutive luncheons with elected members. Other party leadership candidates are on alert.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 15th, Chairman Lee had lunch with about 20 first- and second-term elected members in Yeouido, and on the 18th, he dined with elected members from the Honam region. After the luncheon on the 18th, he told reporters, “It is not desirable to dwell on concerns for too long as it causes uncertainty. I will make a decision soon.”

Those around him are showing support. On the 19th, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Gae-ho appeared on MBC Radio and said, “Many people around me are realistically expressing the opinion that it is necessary for him to lead the party.” Most figures mentioned as presidential candidates, such as lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, are active outside the party, so there is an observation that Chairman Lee is practically the only presidential candidate-level figure to run for party leader. However, there is also a view that Lee’s taking on the party leader position for a seven-month term could have adverse effects.

In any case, other candidates’ decisions to run for party leader may depend on Chairman Lee’s resolution. This is because competing against Lee, the most likely presidential candidate, could be a burden.

Currently, the party leadership candidates mentioned include lawmakers Song Young-gil, Woo Won-shik, and Hong Young-pyo. On the same day, lawmaker Song appeared on CBS Radio and said, “Lee’s decision to run has not yet been finalized, so I am watching the situation a bit more.” He added, “I plan to meet with former Prime Minister Lee and discuss to organize the details together.” He also said, “In any case, I think we must respect the various decisions of former Prime Minister Lee, who has the trust of the Democratic Party.”

Four-term lawmaker Woo is also maintaining a cautious stance, saying he needs to wait for Chairman Lee’s final decision. Lawmaker Hong, classified as part of the pro-Moon Jae-in faction, has shown relatively strong willingness to run but is reportedly taking a wait-and-see approach for now.

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