Lee Nak-yeon: "Mayor Park Incident Response by Our Party Was Slow and Insensitive... Sexual Misconduct Must Be Regularly Monitored"

Regarding the Possibility of Greenbelt Deregulation, "Extreme Caution Is Required"
Candidate Registration for Party Leader Election on the 20th Morning... Visits to National Cemetery and Bongha Village

Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Nak-yeon is registering as a candidate for the party leader in the August 29 party convention at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 20th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Nak-yeon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, recently criticized the party's handling of the late Park Won-soon Seoul mayor incident, saying, "The party's response was slow and insensitive."

On the morning of the 20th, after registering as a candidate for the party leader in the party convention primary at the Yeouido party office, Lee told reporters, "The party is facing challenges such as overcoming national crises and restoring morality. I will ensure that the party takes responsible actions to resolve these issues."

He added, "It seems necessary to continuously monitor and strengthen discipline regarding various irregularities and sexual misconduct issues," and said, "I have refrained from mentioning this excessively. I think the recent party response was slow and insensitive."

Regarding the lifting of the Greenbelt (development-restricted area), he said, "We must be extremely cautious. If there are other methods without touching the Greenbelt, it is better to use those methods." He continued, "Priority should be given to increasing supply in areas with high demand," and said, "For example, utilizing vacant properties and considering high-density development including easing floor area ratios in urban areas."

He also pointed out, "It is proper to first explore ways to allow more flexible residential construction within commercial districts," and criticized, "Discussing the Greenbelt issue at this stage is neither wise nor responsible."

Regarding the possibility of an alliance with Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, he said, "There are always many talks in any election," and added, "It does not seem wise for a candidate to comment on each of them."

When asked whether the party should field candidates in the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections scheduled for next year, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "As the ruling party, we will listen to opinions inside and outside the party to decide what is the responsible approach," and "I will seek wisdom from both inside and outside the party."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, before registering as a candidate that day, Lee paid respects at the National Cemetery. In the guestbook, he wrote, "I will devote all my strength to overcoming the national crisis. O heroic spirits who defended the country, please help us. Lee Nak-yeon, member of the National Assembly, before registering as a Democratic Party leader candidate."

In the afternoon, Lee plans to visit Bongha Village in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, where the late former President Roh Moo-hyun’s tomb is located, to pay respects and meet with Mrs. Kwon Yang-sook, presenting Daegang Makgeolli as a gift. Lee’s camp explained, "This is the Makgeolli that former President Roh shared with villagers in Bongha Village on the day he returned to his hometown after leaving office."

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