Lee Jae-myung's Side to Lee Nak-yeon: "Regrettable and Frustrating... Refusal to Accept Results Violates Democratic Principles"

"Fairly Competing with Other Candidates... Chosen by Party Members and National Electorate"

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, is preparing for a debate at the Democratic Party presidential candidate debate held at OBS in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on the afternoon of the 5th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] The camp of Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province and a presidential candidate from the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed regret over former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon's offensive regarding the preferential treatment allegations in the Daejang-dong development project, calling it "regrettable and frustrating."

Earlier, on the morning of the 5th, at a press conference announcing Seoul regional pledges held at the Seoul Metropolitan Council Members' Hall, former leader Lee targeted Governor Lee, saying, "An aide to the Democratic Party's top candidate has been arrested. It is uncertain how the Daejang-dong investigation will unfold," and added, "Can you win the presidential election carrying such anxiety? Can a candidate who appointed such personnel and administration manage the state affairs well?"

He continued, "I am not trying to engage in political disputes," emphasizing, "I am urging a firm and safe path for the reestablishment of the administration."

In this regard, Kim Byung-wook, head of the functional division of Lee Jae-myung's campaign and a Democratic Party lawmaker, said at an online press briefing on the morning of the 6th, "The primary will conclude this Saturday and Sunday with Gyeonggi and Seoul," and added, "I believe that both party members and the public have shown their support for Governor Lee through their votes despite the Hwacheon Daeyu Gate."

Park Joo-min, head of Lee Jae-myung's campaign headquarters and a Democratic Party lawmaker, urged competing candidates to cooperate after the primary. He explained, "Governor Lee did not violate any procedures during the primary process," and said, "He competed fairly with other candidates, and the party members and national electorate chose him as a result."

He further stated, "However, saying that you cannot accept the results itself goes against the principles of democracy," and emphasized, "Once the final candidate is decided, the party will take the lead in uniting as one team, and at the campaign level, Governor Lee will do whatever is necessary to become the party's candidate, including stepping down or making concessions. He will not be attached to other interests or positions."

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