Lee Nak-yeon "Choi Jae-hyung, How Could He Think Like This... There May Be Unreported Matters"

Lee Nak-yeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is talking with Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, at the National Assembly plenary session on the 30th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Nak-yeon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the controversial remarks made by Choi Jae-hyung, the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, saying, "How can someone have such thoughts?"

On the 31st, Lee appeared on BBS Radio and was asked, "What do you think about Chairman Choi's remarks?" He responded, "I wondered how someone could have such thoughts, but I think it is a relief that he belatedly acknowledged the inappropriateness."

Earlier, Chairman Choi reportedly said, "Can the government's national agenda, which only received 41% support in the presidential election, be said to have gained the consensus of the people?" This statement has led to criticism from the ruling party.

Lee said, "He himself admitted that it was an inappropriate remark, but I heard about it quite a while ago. I was very surprised."

When asked if he thought it was not a big problem, Lee replied, "It's not just a minor issue," adding, "There may be things that have not yet been reported."

He further explained, "When dealing with the nuclear power plant issue, Chairman Choi personally called the minister for a Q&A session, during which he mentioned that 41% represents the will of the people. I heard that it was something the minister found difficult to accept."

Meanwhile, regarding the question about his visit to Gyeonggi Provincial Office yesterday to meet Governor Lee Jae-myung, and some speculating it was a strategic move to counter an alliance with candidate Kim Boo-kyum ahead of the party convention, Lee said, "I meet mayors and governors wherever I go," adding, "What would the media have said if I had excluded Gyeonggi Province?" He also explained, "When I went to Ulsan, I met the mayor of Ulsan, and when I went to Gyeongnam, I planned to meet the governor there, but due to a trial in Seoul, I met him the next day in Seoul."

When asked about comments that it seemed like a preview of the presidential candidate primary, he said, "I thought Governor Lee was gaining popularity, was quite charming, and very knowledgeable," adding, "Especially since he had many policy ideas, as reported, I immediately took out my notebook and took notes."

Regarding criticism that the party is pushing real estate legislation too hastily, he said, "Given the real estate situation, delaying the legislation further would be very risky," adding, "If delayed more, real estate prices could soar further, causing great pain to the majority of the people, so it was unavoidable."

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