Lee Nak-yeon "Democratic Party, Sensitivity Diminished... Regretful Lack of Leadership Opinion Gathering"

"Separation Rule for Presidential and Party Leadership, Former MP Kim Bu-gyeom Leading the Campaign Committee Can Achieve Much Better Results"

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, pointed out that "the party's sensitivity has dulled" regarding the Park Won-soon former Seoul mayor incident and the controversy over the conversion of Incheon International Airport workers to regular positions. Lee said, "What the lawmakers feel on the ground should be collected by the leadership in real time. There were times when I felt such regrets."

On the morning of the 21st, Lee appeared on MBC Radio and was asked, "Do you think the party's series of setbacks happening one after another is simply a coincidence?" He replied, "The real estate problem has come this far without proper measures against the overflowing cash. The recent issues with local government heads were problems difficult for the central party to grasp well." He added, "I wonder if the sensitivity has dulled, and I think new measures are needed in that regard."

When asked, "If you become the party leader, how do you think you can revive this sensory cell?" Lee said, "Basically, there are various ways, but we need to strengthen field activities much more," and added, "I think it is important to ensure that what lawmakers feel on the ground is collected by the leadership in real time."

Regarding the question, "Is it possible to diagnose that although lawmakers feel public opinion, it is not being properly conveyed to the party leadership?" he said, "There were times when I myself felt such regrets. I made suggestions and proposals, but sometimes the response took several days." He also added, "I proposed to the leadership that this was necessary, but it often took some time."

After registering as a candidate for the party leader in the party convention primary at the Yeouido party office the previous day, Lee told reporters, "It seems necessary to continuously check and strengthen discipline on various issues including corruption and sexual misconduct. (The recent party response) was sluggish and insensitive, I think."

Meanwhile, regarding whether the party should field candidates for the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections next year, Lee said, "I think it is unwise to start controversies within the party from now. There is still plenty of time." He continued, "The decision on whether to nominate candidates will be made around the end of the year," and added, "I wonder why we need to pull it forward by a few months and start fights early. I think it is necessary to gather wisdom inside and outside the party."

When asked about the rule separating party leadership and presidential candidacy, which would require him to step down as party leader by March next year if he becomes the leader, Lee said, "I have considered that," and added, "Elections are run by the campaign committee system. When I campaigned in many places during the April 15 general election, it was not because I was the leader but because good people like Representative Kim Boo-kyum were with me as co-chairs of the campaign committee. I think it would have a much better effect if the campaign committee works together."

Regarding a poll showing that Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung narrowed the support gap with Lee Nak-yeon within the margin of error as a next presidential candidate, Lee said, "Public sentiment is always moving, so such things will happen several more times in the future."

On the previous day’s remarks by Kim Tae-nyeon, the Democratic Party floor leader, who said the administrative capital should be relocated during a negotiation group speech, Lee said, "The Constitutional Court blocked it 16 years ago in 2004 with the unprecedented logic that it violated the customary constitution," and added, "A lot of time has passed. If the political parties discuss and create a special law or take such measures, it would be possible."

When asked if he thinks constitutional amendment discussions should begin, he replied, "Someday (it should be done)," but added, "I think now is the time to focus on overcoming the national crisis."

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