Lee Jae-myung, Who Performed a 'Prostration of Apology,' Says "The Ruling Party Will Be Reborn as a Completely Different and New Democratic Party"

"Suspicion Over Whether Responsibility Was Fulfilled to National Mandate... Excuses Won't Work"
Ruling Party Emphasizes Handling of Livelihood Bills in Regular National Assembly
"If There Are Difficulties, Related Systems Like Fast Track Should Also Be Utilized"

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Jeon Jin-young] On the 24th, Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, apologized once again for "our lack of agility so far, and for not being sensitive and swift enough to take responsibility for the painful hearts and difficulties of the people" as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, and made a deep bow before the people as a sign of apology.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 24th, Lee attended the 'Meeting on Promoting Livelihood and Reform Legislation' held at the Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul, and said, "We will be reborn as a completely different, innovative new Democratic Party."

Lee said, "The reason for the existence of a political party is to take responsibility for the better lives of the people, and the people have entrusted us with authority and ordered us to do what is necessary." He added, "It is natural that if we fail to fulfill that responsibility, corresponding accountability follows," emphasizing, "We must accept the painful voices of the people more quickly and sensitively and find what can be done."

He said, "However, unfortunately, many people have doubts about whether we have fulfilled our responsibilities regarding the orders from the people and instructions from party members," and criticized, "Excuses like 'We did relatively well, why single me out?' do not work." He added, "I will deeply reflect and repent."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also emphasized that 'action' is more important than promises and urged to take full responsibility and promptly handle the issues that can be addressed in this regular National Assembly session.

Lee said, "Even before being elected, I hope we boldly carry out the actions we can take in the current situation," and added, "If there are issues that unfairly obstruct despite sufficient discussion, if they are necessary, desirable, and feasible, we should exercise our authority to the fullest extent according to the National Assembly Act and related laws, and take full responsibility to promptly handle the issues that can be addressed in this regular session."

He continued, "If there are difficulties in handling them, we should set the party's stance by utilizing related systems such as the fast-track procedure and initiate the process so that the people can recognize, 'Finally, they are swiftly accomplishing what is necessary,'" and said, "I hope today will be the first day of that."

Floor leader Yoon Ho-jung also pledged at this meeting to accelerate the handling of livelihood and reform legislation to support candidate Lee.

Floor leader Yoon said, "In this regular National Assembly session, we are pushing forward one by one legislative tasks that need to be resolved quickly, such as the Special Act on Youth Employment Promotion for youth jobs, the National Core Strategic Projects Act for future leap, the Commercial Lease Protection Act supporting small business owners struggling due to COVID-19, and the public institution labor director system and time-off system."

He added, "There should be no division between ruling and opposition parties in handling these major livelihood bills, but unfortunately, the People Power Party is still obstructing and blocking livelihood bills such as the Development Profit Recovery Act," emphasizing, "If there is a legislative barricade from the opposition, our party will do its best to ensure these bills are handled in the regular session through all procedures allowed by the National Assembly Act, such as the agenda adjustment committee or fast-track procedures, to overcome those barricades."

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