[Lee Jae-myung Interview] "Yoon Seok-yeol is Past-Oriented Fairness... 'Personal Information' Content Also Matters"

Jae-yong Lee Emphasizes Principles: "Parole Review Has Its Own Rationality"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, described former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol as having a "past-oriented sense of fairness" and said he could become a "shooting star." This was a critique of former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in’s praise of Yoon as having "met a moment of the stars." Regarding the issue of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s whereabouts, Lee emphasized principles but mentioned that considering parole "has its own rationality."

In a recent interview with Asia Economy at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office, Lee spoke about Yoon, who is considered a strong contender in the presidential race, saying, "Disappointment with established politics manifests as a desire for new faces, but ultimately the content matters." He added, "It seems (Yoon) is trying to fill the content through short-term intensive tutoring, and I hope he succeeds. I hope the opposition party does well for the sake of the people."

Describing himself as a "pro-business politician," when asked about his opinion on the pardon of Vice Chairman Lee, he drew a line by saying, "Since it is a highly political authority held by the president, it is not appropriate to comment." However, Lee stated, "I think there is some rationality in considering parole," and added, "It is also unfair to exclude chaebols from parole consideration. Everyone is equal before the law." He explained that a pro-business approach means "ensuring predictable and fair competition opportunities."

Regarding calls from some ruling party members to postpone the primary election, he maintained the position that "principles must be upheld regardless of individual advantages or interests." On constitutional amendment, he dismissed the idea, saying, "(Social) energy should not be entirely absorbed by constitutional amendment. Now is the time to focus on livelihood reforms, and I am a pragmatist."

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