Lee Jae-myung: "Lee Nak-yeon, Changing Words According to the Situation Is the Problem"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, criticized his rival, former party leader Lee Nak-yeon, on the 29th, saying, "The problem is playing a double game in the same situation."

In an interview with Gwangju MBC that day, Lee addressed the controversy over Lee Nak-yeon's 'impeachment vote on Roh Moo-hyun,' saying, "It's not about looking for past votes for or against." He added, "The problem is changing words depending on the situation," explaining, "Acting as if pushing forward because of support, then saying no, then saying he won't speak until he dies, and speaking only when necessary."

Regarding the controversy over his 'Baekje remarks,' Lee also rebutted, saying, "They claim I incited regionalism with a well-intentioned statement aimed at breaking regionalism," calling it "absurdly frustrating." He continued, "They start attacking me for inciting regional sentiment, then claim they never heard such things from me. It's like fighting over whether it's a wolf or a chihuahua, then acting as if we never saw anything," and added, "It's similar to shouting for silence in a library."

When asked to say a word to the residents of Honam, Lee said, "My goal was to succeed, but after seeing the reality of the Gwangju 5.18 Democratization Movement, it completely changed my life. Gwangju is the social mother that made me reborn," adding, "With the desire to overcome regionalism, I was even willing to give up the presidential primary, so it's regrettable to be doubted and attacked."

Lee also stated, "It is unacceptable to fabricate false facts or distort existing facts to slander and spread black propaganda," emphasizing, "We need to verify whether there was corruption or if someone can keep their plans well." He added, "Issues of public office corruption are absolutely unacceptable to the people, and corruption involving relatives, close aides, or family members is something the public can never accept."

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