Third Candidate Theory, Attention Focused on Lee Kwang-jae... 'Roh Moo-hyun Was Right' to Be Published Next Month

Lee Kwang-jae, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee Kwang-jae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, will publish his book "Roh Moo-hyun Was Right" on the 3rd of next month. Amid discussions of a 'third candidate theory' centered around the pro-Moon Jae-in faction, attention is focused on whether Lee will ride this trend and embark on a presidential bid.

In his new book, Lee is said to present a vision for Korean society. The direction set by the late President Roh Moo-hyun remains valid, and the main content is expected to be about Lee's intention to inherit this legacy together with the current administration. Additionally, the book reportedly includes policy tasks to prepare for a new era post-COVID-19, such as the Korean New Deal policy. However, considering the COVID-19 situation, Lee is reportedly not planning to hold a book launch event.

Recently, Lee has been expanding his political activities. After serving as the head of the party's Future Transition K-New Deal Committee, he is also active in the Future Housing Promotion Team launched by party leader Lee Nak-yeon. Some analysts suggest that he is broadening his influence within the party in preparation for his next move.

Fellow party member Hong Young-pyo appeared on a radio show the day before and commented on the current two-strong presidential race between party leader Lee Nak-yeon and Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, saying, "We cannot assume that the current structure will remain unchanged and that the decision will be made within it," adding, "If the situation changes, a third or fourth candidate may emerge to compete." Hong's remarks have sparked speculation that the pro-Moon faction might be trying to create a 'pro-Moon independent candidate.'

In fact, Hong is actively involved in the think tank "Democracy 4.0 Institute," which includes 56 pro-Moon faction lawmakers. Democracy 4.0 is widely regarded as having been established by the 'Bu-eong-i (Owl) Group,' a core pro-Moon gathering, aiming for regime re-creation. Meanwhile, as pro-Moon figure Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of South Gyeongsang Province, received a guilty verdict in the second trial on the 6th over the Druking comment manipulation case, making his political future uncertain, there is speculation that the pro-Moon camp within the Democracy 4.0 Institute will seek a third candidate. Lee is also mentioned as a third candidate since his political stance does not differ significantly from the pro-Moon faction.

Lee himself does not deny the possibility of running for president. In a recent media interview, when asked about the possibility of acting as a 'kingmaker,' he replied, "One person, former President Roh, is enough," leaving open the possibility of his own presidential challenge.

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