Lee Nak-yeon "No Comment on Lee Jae-myung Retaining Governor Position, but Promoting Basic Income and Encouraging Insulting SNS Is Not Right"

"Hwang Kyo-ik's Allegations of Pro-Japanese Associations Were Excessive"... No Special Comments on Hwang Kyo-ik's Resignation

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Joo-yeon] Lee Nak-yeon, former leader of the Democratic Party and presidential candidate, said on the 20th that he "has nothing to say" regarding Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's decision to retain his gubernatorial position. However, he continued to criticize the use of the gubernatorial position as a 'Governor Chance' to promote his own pledges, calling it inappropriate. Regarding food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik, who caused controversy as a 'favor appointment' by Lee Jae-myung's side, Lee expressed regret again over Hwang's pro-Japanese remarks, mentioning his apology the previous day. However, when asked about Hwang’s announcement of his intention to resign that day, Lee said, "I have nothing special to say."

On the morning of the same day, Lee said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "I think mentioning pro-Japanese sentiments was excessive." Earlier, Lee’s side had responded to Hwang’s appointment as president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization by saying it was more suitable for the Tokyo or Osaka tourism organizations. Hwang, who had opposed Lee with harsh remarks such as "I will end my political life," announced his voluntary resignation via Facebook that morning.

When asked by the host whether Hwang’s resignation marked a desirable conclusion, Lee replied, "I have never mentioned that matter myself. I only expressed that it was excessive for one of my comrades who supports me to raise an issue reminiscent of pro-Japanese sentiments. That is all. I have nothing special to add on that matter."

This incident is seen to have escalated further due to the controversy over Lee Jae-myung’s 'Governor Chance.' While the Hwang Kyo-ik incident has been settled with his resignation, the debate over the 'Governor Chance' may continue. When asked whether Lee Jae-myung should resign from his gubernatorial position, Lee Nak-yeon said, "I have nothing special to say." However, he pointed out, "It is not right that at least 3.4 billion won was spent solely on promoting basic income, or that a person serving as the head of the Transportation Training Institute’s secretariat received a salary from public funds while encouraging insulting SNS posts calling me a 'press scum.'"

Meanwhile, on the same day, Lee Nak-yeon reiterated his stance on separating prosecution and investigation powers, saying, "I think it would be good to institutionally conclude the complete separation of prosecution and investigation within this year at the very least." Regarding the Media Arbitration Act, he said that cases involving intentional or gross negligence causing damage are rare, and "most journalists will not be affected at all." He added, "Nevertheless, efforts are needed to ensure that freedom of the press is not restricted." On the fact that YouTube was excluded from the current bill, he said, "I think all such platforms should be included. I will check a bit more."

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