Lee Nak-yeon Accepts Party Affairs Committee Decision but...

Lee Nak-yeon Camp Officials
Still Point Out Issues with Primary Results
Post-Concession One-Team Cooperation Uncertain
Rep. Seol Hoon "Supporters Divided
Ignoring Party's Objections,
Can We Expect One-Team?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] On the afternoon of the 13th, the camp of former Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Nak-yeon, who raised objections to the primary election results, expressed their intention to accept the decision of the Democratic Party's Executive Committee regardless of its content. However, as of the morning of the same day, camp officials continued to emphasize the "party's wise judgment" while pointing out issues with the recent primary results, leaving it uncertain whether internal party conflicts will subside even after Lee's acceptance.

All members of Lee Nak-yeon's camp issued a statement about three hours before the Executive Committee meeting. They said, "It is very regrettable that Party Leader Song Young-gil spoke as if the conclusion was already decided before the Executive Committee convened," and added, "We hope that a wise and correct decision will be made at the Executive Committee for the future of the Democratic Party and the Republic of Korea, and we will do our best for that."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier that morning, during the Supreme Council meeting, Leader Song stated, "Our Democratic Party competes fiercely but unites to create new history. We will do our best to ensure that Lee Nak-yeon's experience is well reflected and his passion for the party is accepted." Such remarks have been interpreted as preemptively concluding that objections would not be accepted. Since Lee's camp raised objections, Song has maintained a stance that the results cannot be overturned, and many of the approximately 70 members of the Executive Committee were appointed by Song.

At the Supreme Council, Floor Leader Yoon Ho-jung also said, "For the unity of the party, I hope everyone reflects once more on whether their words and actions will help the presidential victory and party unity, and demonstrates party loyalty and comradeship," aligning with Leader Song's position.

Many members of the party leadership also agree that considering the chaos that would arise if the primary results were overturned, it is unlikely that the Executive Committee will accept Lee's objection. Supreme Council member Lee Dong-hak said in a radio interview that day, "It will be difficult for the party to make a difficult choice," and when asked if it would be hard to reverse the primary results, he replied, "Yes."

Choi In-ho, Chief of the Comprehensive Situation Headquarters of the Lee Nak-yeon Camp of the Democratic Party of Korea, Ko Jae-kyung, Deputy Director of the Situation Room, and Seo Nu-ri, spokesperson, are entering the Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 11th to submit an objection to the party's presidential candidate decision by the Election Commission. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Meanwhile, since it was Lee's camp that requested the objection discussion be held by the Executive Committee rather than the Supreme Council, it seems natural that Lee would send a message of acceptance immediately after the Executive Committee meeting. However, considering the claims of hardliners within the camp, it is uncertain whether acceptance will lead to active support for candidate Lee Jae-myung. The level of Lee Nak-yeon's willingness to support can be primarily gauged by whether he will take on the role of election campaign committee chair for candidate Lee. Hardliner lawmaker Seol Hoon criticized on Facebook that morning, saying, "Supporters are divided. Can we expect a 'one team' after dismissing legitimate objections?"

However, even within the Lee Nak-yeon faction, there are opinions in favor of joining the campaign committee, so it is expected to take some time to reach a unified stance. Supreme Council member Jeon Hye-sook said at the Supreme Council meeting, "Even if the Executive Committee concludes with opposition, we believe we must enter the Democratic Party's campaign melting pot and form one team to lead the reestablishment of the administration."

The Executive Committee meeting scheduled for that afternoon is expected to be the final battleground between candidate Lee and former leader Lee Nak-yeon's factions. The Executive Committee currently consists of about 70 members, including Supreme Council members, party-affiliated city and provincial governors, and city and provincial party chairpersons. Since decisions are made by majority attendance and majority vote, with interpretations of party rules and regulations, a tense power struggle is anticipated.

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