Lee Nak-yeon, Released from Self-Quarantine, Says "Waiting for the Burden of National Crisis... Feels Like Going to the Battlefield"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting after the end of self-quarantine in front of his residence in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 31st. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Cheol-eung, Jeon Jin-young] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has finished self-quarantine and stepped outside his home.

On the 31st, in front of his residence in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Lee said, "I have completed 14 days of self-quarantine and just came out. Though I have shed the burden of quarantine, the burden of national crisis awaits me."

He continued, "It feels like I stayed in a field hospital and now have gone to the battlefield. I deeply understand how great the pain of the people is. Let us endure this together."

Lee also said, "We will surely win this COVID-19 war and quickly restore people's livelihoods and the economy. This time, I confirmed once again that our healthcare system is well organized and that the workers are working very devotedly."

For his first official schedule, he will pay respects at the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Following the quarantine authorities' policy to refrain from visiting former presidents' graves except for family members, he will visit the Memorial Tower.

He will then preside over the first Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly and pay a courtesy visit to National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug. He also plans to hold a press conference to share his aspirations and vision as party leader. A meeting with Choi Jae-sung, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, is also scheduled.

Lee was classified as a close contact after indirect contact with a reporter who tested positive for COVID-19 after appearing on CBS Radio on the 17th.

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