Lee Nak-yeon: "Kim Won-woong, as President of the Liberation Association, can say that much"

"United Party welcomes left-click... hopes it is sincere"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Lee Nak-yeon, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, stated on the 17th regarding the controversy over Kim Won-woong, President of the Liberation Association's 'anti-Japanese purge' Liberation Day commemorative speech, "As the President of the Liberation Association, he can express that level of awareness of the issue."

On the same day, on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Lee said, "There may be room for discussion regarding individual remarks, but many people agree that the remnants of pro-Japanese collaborators have not been sufficiently purged until now."

Lee criticized the Future United Party's attitude that took issue with the remarks, saying, "It is just that the Liberation Association President spoke more strongly on the matter, so making a fuss without calmly examining it is surprising."

Regarding the amendment to the National Cemetery Act, which involves relocating the graves of pro-Japanese figures at the National Cemetery, Lee said he agrees in principle but added, "There needs to be caution in selecting targets and the approach."

On the Future United Party's recent attempts to expand its base by including basic income in its platform and strengthening its courting of the Honam region, Lee said, "Such so-called 'left-clicking' is something we welcome," adding, "I hope it is sincere." However, he also pointed out, "Looking at their attitude toward the Gwanghwamun rallies, one might doubt which is genuine."

Regarding the recent preference poll for the next presidential candidate in which Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung overtook him, Lee said, "I am no exception to the decline in support for the government and ruling party," adding, "Fluctuations are part of life."

On setting relations between the ruling and opposition parties if he becomes party leader, Lee said, "I am well aware of the criticism that the ruling party has acted unilaterally, but behind that, it is also true that the opposition had set a unilateral frame by seemingly withdrawing from the National Assembly," adding, "I hope both sides drop that and operate together with the mindset of starting the 21st National Assembly anew."

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