Lee Nak-yeon, from Prime Minister to Party Leader... Another Political Harmony with President Moon

Leading Presidential Candidate Yeo Representative System, New Party-Government Relationship in Focus... This Week's Party-Government-Cheongwadae Meeting as the First Test

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Jeon Jin-young] "Feel free to call anytime." On the 29th, President Moon Jae-in said this when he called Lee Nak-yeon, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, to congratulate him on his election. He also added a message that he would prioritize answering Lee's calls. President Moon welcomed the first Prime Minister he personally appointed as the ruling party leader.

The appointment of 'Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon' is a choice that President Moon can present as a success, especially considering the difficulties he faced with personnel matters since taking office. Entrusting a key position to a prominent Honam politician with a mild pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in) color was followed by evaluations of a balanced personnel appointment. Politician Lee Nak-yeon led national stability based on proven 'administrative leadership' and supported the soaring approval ratings of President Moon's administration.

President Moon is preparing another political collaboration with Lee. Both face the task of solving a more complex and difficult 'political puzzle' together. This can be both an opportunity and a crisis for President Moon and Lee. President Moon had previously solidified a government-party partnership by forming a smooth relationship with former Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan, a political comrade.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former leader Lee Hae-chan was preparing for political retirement, which created an environment where he could fully dedicate himself to the 'success of the Moon Jae-in administration.' However, Lee Nak-yeon is different from Lee Hae-chan in that he is one of the most prominent presidential candidates in the ruling party alongside Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung. Historically in Korean politics, prominent ruling party presidential candidates have grown their political presence by opposing the president.

Whether Lee Nak-yeon will continue this long-standing political norm remains to be seen. Considering the political dynamics of the party primary, some speculate that he will focus more on accompanying the president rather than differentiating himself. Lee’s response to President Moon’s congratulatory call, saying, "I will do my best to overcome the national crisis and ensure the success of the administration," is difficult to interpret merely as political rhetoric.

The first test for President Moon and Lee Nak-yeon is overcoming the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As the resurgence of COVID-19 intensifies, especially in the metropolitan area, social distancing level 2.5 has been implemented. President Moon is concentrating all efforts on resolving COVID-19. At the Blue House senior secretaries and aides meeting on the afternoon of the 31st, a public appeal message related to strengthening social distancing is expected to be delivered.

The ruling party has also entered an emergency response system with the launch of the new leadership. The smooth landing of Lee’s leadership depends on overcoming political challenges such as medical sector strikes and COVID-19. Lee plans to preside over the Supreme Council meeting on the afternoon of the 22nd to discuss current issues.

Furthermore, this week’s party-government-Blue House meeting, the first under Lee’s leadership, is the focus of attention. It is a place to confirm the leadership change in the ruling party and to provide 'answers' on current issues such as emergency disaster relief funds. Lee is both the head of the ruling party and a leading presidential candidate.

His messages on major issues can carry weight, but political burdens also follow. If he follows the Blue House’s intentions too closely, it could lead to criticism of being a 'rubber stamp,' while if he restrains the Blue House’s actions, it could be interpreted as a 'differentiation strategy' aimed at the presidential election.

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