Lee Jae-myung's 'Cider' Targets the Privileged, Not Rival Candidates

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, the leading presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, expressed gratitude for being called 'Cider Lee Jae-myung' but also subtly criticized recent 'excessive' attacks from competing candidates within the Democratic Party by saying, "Not all blunt expressions toward political rivals are met with the response of being 'cider'."

On the 18th, Lee posted on Facebook an article titled 'The Conditions of Cider,' stating, "There may be no politician who has heard the word 'cider' as much as I have," and added, "Whether I want it or not, I cannot deny that it was the opportunity for the public to first recognize the politician named Lee Jae-myung."

He continued, "Recently, some have said that I am 'not like Lee Jae-myung' because I do not properly respond to attacks from competing candidates and have urged me to return as 'cider.' I gratefully listen to these affectionate words," adding, "However, some warn that carbonated drinks quickly leave thirst unquenched and that it is not a good nickname, so we should be cautious."

Furthermore, he said, "There is a part I pledge to myself while hearing the public call me 'cider,'" pointing out, "'Cider' does not simply mean speaking bluntly without considering the consequences that follow."

This was a caution against limiting 'cider' merely to an attitude.

Lee particularly emphasized, "The condition of cider that I think is important is who it is directed at and for what purpose it moves forward boldly," and criticized recent behaviors of competing candidates by saying, "The public will not respond positively to mere 'blunt expressions' toward political rivals as cider."

He also defined, "(True cider) is whether one can properly speak to the privileged class in our society and whether one can confront head-on the vested interest structures that block people's livelihoods without avoidance, which are the conditions the public judges as cider."

Lee also asked people to watch where his cider remarks are headed.

He said, "As always in elections, it is easy for things to turn into a mudslinging fight that makes the public frown," and added, "Remembering 'what is important' at those times is the role of politics as the subject of competition, and clearly remembering and practicing where Lee Jae-myung's cider should be directed is entirely my responsibility."

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