Lee Nak-yeon "If I Hadn't Appointed Cho Kuk, I Would Have Expressed My Opinion" Lee Jae-myung "How Much More Proof Is Needed for Private Life?"

Democratic Party Presidential Candidates Hold Public Interview Event

The preliminary candidates for the Democratic Party's presidential primary are taking a commemorative photo before the first joint debate held at KBS in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 3rd. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Former Democratic Party leader and presidential candidate Lee Nak-yeon stated on the 4th regarding the appointment of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, "I had expressed my opinion to President Moon Jae-in that I hoped he would not appoint him."

On the same day, at the Democratic Party preliminary primary 'National Interview' event held at the CJB Convention Center in Cheongju, Lee responded this way when asked what opinion he had given the president about the appointment of the minister during the 2019 'Cho Kuk incident.' The question was asked by former lawmaker Kim Hae-young.

At that time, Lee, who was Prime Minister, elaborated, "Because (Cho Kuk) had already suffered too many wounds, and I thought it would also be a burden to the president." He recounted the situation, saying, "Two days before the minister's appointment, on a Saturday at lunch, I was called together with then party leader Lee Hae-chan, floor leader Lee In-young, and presidential chief of staff Noh Young-min. Everyone expressed their opinions, and I gave such an opinion."

Cho Kuk was appointed Minister of Justice on September 9, 2019, but amid the spread of various personal allegations and controversies, he abruptly resigned on October 14, just 35 days later.

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung appealed in response to former lawmaker Kim’s criticism that "there are many personal controversies such as insulting his sister-in-law and an actress scandal," saying, "I don't know how much more I have to prove. I hope this much is enough."

Governor Lee said, "There are various circumstances regarding the sister-in-law insult issue, but it is clear that there are shortcomings in my character, and I apologize," standing up and bowing his head at a 90-degree angle. Applause broke out at the scene following his apology.

According to the interim tally of the National Interview on that day, former leader Lee Nak-yeon took first place, followed by lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae in second, and Governor Lee Jae-myung in third. This event was conducted with the concept of a focused on-site interview for presidential job seekers, and 200 national interviewers selected by lottery evaluated the interviews in real time.

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