Lee Nak-yeon "Administrative Capital Should Aim for Full Relocation... Considerable Preparations Are in Place"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee Nak-yeon, a leading candidate for the Democratic Party leadership, emphasized on the 23rd that "we must engage in dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties with the goal of a full relocation of the administrative capital."

In an interview with tbs radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' on the same day, Lee said, "I think there could be slightly different options emerging during the dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties. It would be best to approach the talks with such a flexible attitude."

Regarding the opposition party's criticism that the administrative capital relocation is a tactic to change the political situation, Lee said, "If we do it that way, we won't be recognized for sincerity. That is not the case." He added, "I confirmed several times with Floor Leader Kim Tae-nyeon and asked how prepared they were, and they were quite well prepared."

When asked how he would respond if the opposition party opposed the plan until the end, Lee said, "Since the dialogue hasn't even started yet, it is not right to assume opposition in advance," and added, "I think it won't be easy for the opposition to oppose it until the end."

Lee continued, "If I become the party leader, it would be ideal to reach a conclusion on the (relocation of the administrative capital to the provinces) during my term as leader (7 months)," and said, "Since this proposal was responsibly put forward by the ruling party, we must do whatever it takes to keep it alive."

Regarding criticism from his leadership rival, former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, who mentioned the '7-month party leader,' Lee said, "There is some merit to that, but right now it is more urgent to respond to the national crisis," and added, "This is not the time to talk about the presidential election."

On recent criticism that he has been reserved on major issues, he said, "The principle is to be faithful to one's duties," and explained, "When I was the chairman of the National Crisis Management Committee, the media only asked about the party convention, and if I had answered each question, I would have been blamed for causing premature overheating."

He added, "If the party and the people choose, as the leader of the ruling party, I must do everything I can," and said, "The Lee Nak-yeon you saw as Prime Minister is the same Lee Nak-yeon now, and if I become the leader, I will be a different Lee Nak-yeon again."

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