Lee Jae-myung Sends Letter to High School Student: "Sorry for the Egg-Throwing Situation"

"'THAAD Deployment' Still Seen as Against National Interest, But Reality Must Be Considered"
"Apologies for Not Seeking Understanding in Advance... Will Listen to the Voices of the People"

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Dajeong Farm in Seongju-gun, Gyeongbuk, on the 13th, completed the experience of planting Seongju chamoe seedlings, and is coming out of the vinyl greenhouse. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, sent a personal letter to high school student A, who threw eggs at him. Lee apologized, saying, "First, I want to express my apologies for the situation that made you feel compelled to throw eggs at me."

On the 13th, Student A threw two eggs at Lee during his visit to Seongju, demanding the withdrawal of the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) deployment. A was arrested on the spot and detained in a holding cell for a day, then released the next day, but the police investigation is reportedly ongoing.

On the 16th, the Democratic Party released the full text of the letter Lee wrote to Student A. In the letter, Lee stated, "I sincerely convey my feelings to the student and everyone who opposed the THAAD deployment. My position that the THAAD deployment does not fully align with the national interest remains unchanged," adding, "However, I am a politician who seeks ways to maximize national interest based on the given reality and circumstances. I believed my role was to find alternatives based on the situation where the THAAD deployment had already become a reality, rather than strictly adhering to my beliefs."

He continued, "If this stance felt like a betrayal of promises, that is entirely my responsibility," and added, "It is because I failed to actively seek understanding, persuade, and explain my position."

Lee said, "Nevertheless, I believe we are still looking toward the same goal," explaining, "Just as I, as a politician, have considered diplomatic measures to maximize national interest, our students and everyone opposing the THAAD deployment are appealing to me out of concern for the country as sovereign citizens and love for our community."

He further stated, "I believe that building a country worthy of such appeals is the way to show my sincerity. I believe this is possible under a pragmatic diplomatic line that prioritizes national interest and the people's benefit as the first principle, creating a world where no one has to throw eggs again," and emphasized, "Thanks to the student, I was able to reconsider why I engage in politics and where the voices of the people I must listen to truly lie. Whether loud or quiet, I will devote all my efforts to listening to the voices of the people."

Lee also sent a letter to the Chief of Seongju Police Station requesting leniency for Student A. He said, "I do not think the student's actions were entirely right and justified," but added, "I did not perceive any threatening intent in the student's actions. I do not wish for any punishment. Please give this student the opportunity to grow as a member of society without losing affection for the community and interest in social matters."

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