"No Need to Shrink Back" Lee Hae-chan Steps Up... Opposition's Fierce Attack: "Even Apologies Aren't Enough"

Former Party Leader Lee Hae-chan Moves to Rally Ruling Coalition Supporters

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Hae-chan, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea who had been in seclusion since completing his term as party leader last August, has rallied the pro-government camp regarding the Seoul mayoral by-election, saying, "Looking at how things are going these days, it seems almost certain we will win. There is no need to be discouraged." The opposition responded, calling it "truly shameful when an apology to the people would not be enough."

On the 19th, Lee appeared on the YouTube broadcast "Kim Eo-jun's Das Boida" and made these remarks. Regarding the controversy over O Se-hoon, the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral candidate, and the land in Naegok-dong, he said, "He even lied, which shows he lacks the basic qualifications of a public official. Claiming that the final approval authority was with the bureau chief is either from someone who knows nothing about administration or a brazen lie?one of the two." Earlier, O had explained the issue by saying, "The development of Naegok District was a matter under the bureau chief's final approval." Lee's comment was aimed at this explanation.

Lee directly challenged, "Urban planning matters such as lifting Greenbelt restrictions are sensitive issues involving stakeholders, so even the deputy mayor is usually not given final approval authority for most housing developments. Do you think O did not know about the lifting of nearly 400,000 pyeong of Greenbelt?"

He referenced the 1995 first direct election for Seoul mayor, where independent candidate Park Chan-jong initially led but ultimately lost to Democratic Party candidate Jo Soon. Lee said, "If Park had apologized for his pro-Yushin regime writings, it would have been over, but he flatly denied it. When photos surfaced, he became a liar. About ten days before the election, he completely collapsed and was overtaken," adding, "The decisive factor for Park's loss was the lies."

Regarding the LH scandal, Lee said, "We mishandled management, but O's case is different because it concerns his own actions," and added, "I don't think there is any need to be discouraged because of this." He continued, "The opposition openly says the election's purpose is to shake the Moon Jae-in administration," and said, "So, to be frank, I believe we must protect the Moon Jae-in government. I am determined. I plan to go wherever I can hold a microphone."

On the 20th, O's camp countered, urging, "Please exercise restraint for the sake of the people." Kim Cheol-geun, spokesperson for O, said in a statement, "The LH speculation scandal that has angered the public occurred during Lee's tenure as ruling party leader, and the sexual harassment cases involving two metropolitan mayors (Seoul and Busan), which are the cause of this election involving massive public funds, also happened during Lee's term. It is truly shameful that Lee, who should humbly apologize to the public more than ever, boldly speaks in a way that is out of touch with the people's feelings."

Since completing his term as party leader last August, Lee has rarely appeared in public but has recently increased his attacks on the opposition through appearances on YouTube broadcasts and radio. On the 17th, he stated on a YouTube broadcast, "I have stepped forward to help the election. I will continue to provide indirect support until this election is over."

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