Democratic Party Officials Pool Funds for Leadership Gifts... Also Publish 'Lee Hae-chan White Paper'

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to collect a small amount of money from central party officials to present a plaque of appreciation and gifts to party leader Lee Hae-chan and other leadership members. Although the amount is not large, this unprecedented act appears to be a gesture of gratitude toward the leadership for their overwhelming victory in the general election.

The Democratic Party's General Affairs Coordination Bureau announced via internal email on the 24th, stating, "At the department heads' meeting, it was decided to collect 5,000 won per person for leadership gifts," and requested, "Please deposit the corresponding amount by the 25th into the General Affairs Coordination Bureau staff account, specifying your department name." They added, "The leadership gifts will be presented along with plaques of appreciation during the party officials' assembly on the 27th, attended only by the party leader, secretary-general, and others."

There are about 170 central party officials in the Democratic Party, and it is considered unusual to pool funds outside of official party events to prepare gifts for outgoing leadership. For example, former party leader and Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae only held a greeting speech at the party convention and a press briefing. A Democratic Party official said, "This is an internal, non-public event," adding, "Collecting a small amount to present separate gifts is a first, and this was decided at a director-level meeting."

A white paper documenting Leader Lee's achievements during his term will also be published this week. However, Lee is scheduled to hold a press briefing at the National Assembly on the morning of the 28th, one day before his term ends, without any separate external official events related to his retirement.

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