'Ijangjik's Responsibility in Eastar Air Crisis, Announces Departure from Democratic Party'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee Sang-jik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and founder of Eastar Jet who caused a large-scale layoff crisis, announced his withdrawal from the party on the 24th.

At a press conference at the National Assembly on the same day, Lee said, "I sincerely apologize to the public for causing concern due to unpaid wages, layoffs, and other personal and family-related issues."

He continued, "As a founder and a parent, I deeply feel the weight of the current situation and my responsibility for it," adding, "I have no intention whatsoever to evade that responsibility, nor have I acted that way."

He also stated, "With a spirit of putting the country before the party, I will no longer cause trouble for the party. I will leave the party temporarily," and said, "With a determination to live or die, I will revive Eastar Jet and the jobs of its employees so that all citizens and party members can say, 'In the end, Lee Sang-jik solved the problem.'"

He added, "I will sincerely clarify the suspicions about me and return," and "I will stand again as a politician and public figure worthy of the expectations of the citizens and party members."

Earlier, Lee was referred to the Democratic Party's Ethics Inspection Team along with expelled member Kim Hong-gul on the 16th and has been under investigation. In political circles, it was anticipated that his expulsion was likely.

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