Lee Nak-yeon: "Compete when competing, but unite as one... We will win like the Democratic Party"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Former leader Lee Nak-yeon, who serves as a standing advisor to the Democratic Party's election committee, emphasized on the 2nd, "The Democratic Party has competed during the primaries, but when it comes to uniting, we have become one," urging victory in next year's presidential election based on a 'one team' spirit. Lee's remarks are interpreted as an effort to dispel concerns about the possible defection of his support base raised by some.

Photo by The Minjoo Party of Korea, screenshot from Deliminju TV YouTube live broadcast

On the same day, at the 'Democratic Party 20th Presidential Election Campaign Committee Launch Ceremony' held at the Olympic Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, Lee said in his congratulatory speech, "We must win like the Democratic Party and create a new history again."

Lee stated, "For the past 66 years, the Democratic Party has upheld the values of freedom, democracy, and peace," adding, "Every page of our history of victory is soaked with blood, sweat, and tears, and filled with joy and hope. We must inherit and develop this proud history."

He continued, "The Democratic Party has its own internal culture," emphasizing, "We competed when competing was necessary, but when it was time to unite, we became one. Even when we quarreled, we did not cross the boundaries and showed consideration and respect."

This statement appears to be a response to concerns that the 'one team' principle might be shaken amid heightened competition with candidate Lee Jae-myung during the primary process.

Furthermore, Lee Nak-yeon reinforced support for candidate Lee Jae-myung by saying, "Lee Jae-myung is the Democratic Party."

Lee said, "What brought us together here today? It is the Democratic Party," adding, "You are the Democratic Party, and Lee Jae-myung is the Democratic Party. Each and every one of you is the Democratic Party, and so am I, Lee Nak-yeon. That is why we are gathered here together."

Addressing party members, Lee urged, "I hope the Democratic Party becomes more humble than the opposition." He said, "For three weeks after the primary, I quietly observed the people, and I found that both ruling and opposition parties were trapped in their own castles," adding, "I realized that to the public, this could appear as arrogance and dogmatism."

Lee emphasized, "We must enter among the people and look at their livelihoods through their eyes," and concluded, "The Democratic Party's presidential candidate is Comrade Lee Jae-myung. I will join the path to victory in a manner befitting the Democratic Party."

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