Lee Jae-myung "Me leaving the party? ... Daedongsesang will be achieved together with the Democratic Party"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung dismissed rumors of his defection by stating, "There is no defection in my dictionary," and added, "I will fully listen to and correct my mistakes and shortcomings."

Governor Lee has maintained the top spot in presidential preference polls across both ruling and opposition parties for several months.

On the 9th, Lee posted on Facebook, "I am well aware that some people wish for my (Democratic Party of Korea) defection for various reasons," and said, "If there are misunderstandings, I will sincerely try to resolve them."

He continued, "I will fully listen to and correct the mistakes and shortcomings mentioned by those people," adding, "However, let me reiterate that there is no defection in my dictionary, and without the Democratic Party, there is no Lee Jae-myung, nor is there Lee Jae-myung's aspiration."

He further explained why he cannot leave the Democratic Party.

Lee said, "Our Democratic Party is a party that has steadily walked for democracy, peace, and a society of coexistence on this land," and evaluated it as "a party nurtured with all the efforts of the two great presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, a party that gave birth to President Moon Jae-in through the Candlelight Revolution and has stood against deeply rooted vested interest corrupt forces."

He added, "There have been mistakes and times when we faced the stern reprimand of the people," but emphasized, "Nevertheless, it is a party that has never ignored the values it ultimately sought to protect and has strived to respond to the demands of the times."

Moreover, he said, "Despite receiving harsh scrutiny from deeply rooted political distrust, enduring ridicule and insults at times, taking leave to campaign, asking for votes from those around, and unwaveringly supporting and upholding the party at local pubs, alumni meetings, friend gatherings, and online, there are party members who have done so," and stressed, "Defection that betrays such tearful dedication is unimaginable to me."

He also reaffirmed his determination to stay with the Democratic Party until the end for the sake of a 'great dream.'

Lee stated, "My dream is to achieve a 'people-first, humane society where everyone lives together,'" and emphasized, "This is a value that cannot be achieved without the strong shelter of the Democratic Party and our passionate party members."

He then questioned, "Which party other than the Democratic Party can realize 'basic income' that guarantees a minimum standard of living so people can work happily and live with dignity without being enslaved by money, 'basic loans' that protect minimum financial consumer rights so money does not shake the value of life, and 'basic housing' that guarantees housing rights so people no longer feel insecure because of their homes?"

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