Lee Nak-yeon: "I Do Not Watch for Pro-Moon Faction's Signals... Continuously Communicating with President Moon"

"Seoul and Busan Elections Will Be Very Tough"
"Yoon Seok-yeol Must Choose His Position If He Has No Intention of Political Neutrality"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, refuted claims that he is trying to appease the pro-Moon Jae-in faction for his presidential ambitions, stating, "I do not cater to any particular faction."

On the morning of the 17th, at a Kwanhun Forum held at the Seoul Press Center, Lee said, "(I) have been scolded a lot by the pro-Moon faction," emphasizing this point.

When asked about the policy differentiation between himself and the Moon Jae-in administration, Lee emphasized the continuation of the current government's policies and revealed that he is in continuous communication with President Moon. He said, "Since becoming the party leader, I have met the president about six times and have also spoken with him on the phone. Especially on weekends, I meet or call him to convey what I want to say," adding, "Being in the same party means sharing policies on a broad scale."

Regarding criticism that he has not shown his own unique color and philosophy, Lee responded, "My stance is how the Democratic Party deals with important issues," and added, "If the party and the leader want to act separately, it could be a disaster."

When asked to evaluate other potential presidential candidates such as Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, Lee said, "There is no presidential candidate yet," and briefly added, "Each has strengths and weaknesses, but I have not studied them enough to comment."

Regarding the situation where Governor Lee Jae-myung is leading in approval ratings, Lee said, "It is not that impressive that I once ranked first alone in polls," and added, "The public has started to think more concretely. I believe there is an adjustment accordingly."

On criticism that the Democratic Party's nomination decisions for the Seoul and Busan mayoral elections contradict the rationale of political innovation, Lee said, "Even if criticized, I judged that guaranteeing voters' right to choose is better, and I feel very sorry," adding, "With a sense of responsibility as the ruling party, we have refined and presented the future vision for Seoul and Busan, and we intend to receive the choice of the citizens of Seoul and Busan."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding measures to prevent the recurrence of sexual violence within the party, Lee emphasized, "We are simultaneously operating the party's Ethics Inspection Team and the Gender Violence Reporting and Counseling Center. The Ethics Inspection Team also receives reports on corruption and misconduct, and we have strengthened gender-sensitivity education for party members. We will further strengthen these efforts going forward."

On the fact that the Democratic Party's approval ratings in Seoul and Busan sometimes lag behind those of the People Power Party, Lee said, "I expect the elections in Seoul and Busan to be very tough. I believe it is an election where not even a moment of complacency is allowed," adding, "We will present a future vision for Seoul and Busan. We will also present measures to realize that vision to the citizens and seek their choice."

Regarding the internal calls for Prosecutor General Yoon's resignation, Lee said, "As long as he holds that position, I think it is right for him to behave appropriately as a public official," adding, "There is a need to dispel controversies about political neutrality and abuse of prosecutorial power. If he does not have such intentions, it is a matter he must decide himself."

On the conflict between Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon, Lee said, "In the case of Minister Choo, I hear that her style is somewhat regretted," but added, "I do not think everything she did was right, but it was inevitable to direct the prosecution when the prosecution itself became the subject of investigation."

Regarding the enactment of the Serious Accident Punishment Act, Lee said, "I support its enactment and will accept it when the Legislation and Judiciary Committee deliberates," but added, "It is natural to consider conflicts with the Industrial Safety Act and the consistency of the legal system," and said, "The content of the bill should be left to the standing committee's review."

On the controversy over the cancellation of the Gimhae New Airport project, Lee said, "I do not think there was political consideration," and added, "I understand there is a demand to conduct a concise verification of new sites such as Gadukdo."

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