Lee Nak-yeon and Song Struggle to Embrace Each Other

Lee Jae-myung Attends Democratic Party Lawmakers' Meeting
"Concrete Cannot Be Made with Cement Alone"
Discusses Meeting with Lee Nak-yeon After National Audit

Controversy Over Song Young-gil's 'Ilbe Remarks'
Apologizes to Lee Nak-yeon Supporters

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Jeon Jin-young] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the ruling party who secured legitimacy as the candidate following former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon's ‘acceptance of the primary results,’ once again emphasized the importance of a ‘one team.’ Lee stated that he plans to meet with former leader Lee soon. Song Young-gil, the Democratic Party leader who appears to be the person referred to when former leader Lee said at the camp disbandment ceremony that ‘there was something unresolved in my heart,’ expressed apologies to Lee’s supporters. Given that former leader Lee’s support base is solid and his approval ratings are on the rise, the party, which desperately needs his support, is focusing on ‘soothing Lee Nak-yeon.’

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, attended the party members' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th, raising hands with party leader Song Young-gil and other members to pledge victory in the presidential election. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the morning of the 15th, Lee attended a party members’ meeting held at the National Assembly, held a first meeting with all affiliated lawmakers, and emphasized the unity of the Democratic Party for the reestablishment of the administration. He likened the current party situation to "it is impossible to become concrete with only cement," stressing the importance of the ‘one team.’ Lee expressed, "When we recognize and respect each other and work together, 1+1 is not 2 but 3 or 4, and we will be able to easily overcome the great obstacles that stand before us." He added that after the intense primary battle until the final round, he spoke with former leader Lee on the 13th following Lee’s acceptance announcement and agreed to meet after the National Assembly audit to discuss future plans. Lee said, "I was sincerely moved by former leader Lee’s dignity and generosity," and "I will learn a lot and work together."

The Democratic Party has begun formalizing the formation of the presidential campaign committee (campaign headquarters) as of the previous day, with Secretary-General Yoon Kwan-seok and Campaign Headquarters Chief Jo Jung-sik entering into practical discussions. It is expected to take the form of a joint system involving all competing candidates, including leader Song. Since the committee will be completed with former leader Lee’s participation, it is anticipated that Lee Jae-myung will meet with him to request his involvement.

Having solidified his determination for victory through the one team, Lee expressed his ambition to achieve ‘fairness,’ ‘livelihood reform,’ and a ‘growth society.’ In particular, regarding livelihood issues, he requested that the budget for local currency, which was drastically cut during this year’s budget review process, be expanded compared to last year, and that the lower limit for compensation for losses due to business restrictions not be set too low. He also explained that to promote economic growth, it is necessary to restore imbalances and unfairness in labor and capital, build infrastructure through large-scale investments, and reform the education system including nurturing future talents.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is attending the members' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th, receiving applause from the members. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7

On the same day, Song Young-gil, who caused controversy with his ‘Ilbe remarks,’ also apologized to former leader Lee’s supporters and urged the restoration of the one team. Before the party members’ meeting, at the Supreme Council meeting, Song said, "Yesterday, I called former leader Lee to offer much comfort and listened carefully to various grievances." Song expressed, "I want to offer words of consolation for the wounds and sense of loss to the supporters," and apologized for describing Lee’s supporters as ‘like Ilbe.’

Meanwhile, former leader Lee resigned from his National Assembly seat last month and did not attend the party members’ meeting. At the disbandment ceremony the previous day, he did not respond to questions about the one team and remained silent again on this day. As the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate begins the full-scale presidential race, he plans to prepare for the Gyeonggi Province National Assembly audit sessions scheduled for the 18th and 20th. After the audit, he is also expected to meet with President Moon Jae-in. Lee said, "I told (President Moon) I would greet him after the audit. The schedule is being arranged." Regarding the timing of his resignation from the governor position, he said, "It is undecided."

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