‘Myeongnak Meeting · Resignation from Local Office’ Unresolved... Lee Jae-myung Starts First Schedule After National Assembly Audit

Visiting Gwangju 5·18 Democratic Cemetery
Lee Nak-yeon and President Moon's Meeting Schedule
"Under Discussion, Please Watch Closely"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, began his first schedule as a presidential candidate on the 22nd by paying respects at the Gwangju 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, without resolving the preliminary issues of the main race such as the ‘Myung-Nak meeting’ and ‘resignation from the governorship.’ The sequence of ‘resignation from the governorship → meeting with former leader Lee Nak-yeon → meeting with President Moon Jae-in,’ which was considered to create a convention effect (a rise in approval ratings immediately after a political event), is becoming complicated. However, it is interpreted as a move to wait for former leader Lee’s decision and focus more on forming a ‘one team.’

After paying respects at the Gwangju 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, when asked about the schedule for meetings with former leader Lee and President Moon, Lee said, "We are in consultation, so it would be good to wait and see," and added, "Regarding the resignation from the governorship, I think it will happen soon." When asked if he intended to visit former leader Lee directly, he left a lingering remark, saying, "That matter is under consultation, so please wait a little longer."

The current delay in forming a one team by ‘embracing former leader Lee’ seems to be holding back candidate Lee. Although he went through a ‘hearing-cum-audition’ style National Assembly inspection after being selected as the presidential candidate, he has not enjoyed the convention effect in various opinion polls, and the biggest reason is seen within the camp as the delay in the ‘one team meeting.’ Along with this, the schedule coordination for a meeting between President Moon and candidate Lee is also delayed. To reduce the burden on the Blue House, it is urgent for candidate Lee to show a united front by healing the divided party during the primary process before meeting President Moon.

However, former leader Lee himself has been continuing his seclusion after leaving a remark at last week’s disbandment ceremony that "there is something unresolved in my heart," making it uncertain whether their meeting will take place soon. Inside and outside the camp, there is also consideration of candidate Lee visiting former leader Lee first to achieve a dramatic ‘chemical bond.’ After paying respects at the Democratic Cemetery, candidate Lee will continue his schedule in the afternoon by visiting the late President Roh Moo-hyun’s tomb.

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