After Losing the Presidential Election, Lee Jae-myung Went Outside 4 Times... "I Think It Was Good to Come Out"

After Presidential Election Defeat, Opens Up About Feelings "I Am a Sinner"
"Politics Means Taking Infinite Responsibility to the People"
"I Will Win Incheon and Lead a Nationwide Majority Victory"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Kwon Hyun-ji] Lee Jae-myung, Senior Advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea, attracted attention on the 8th by announcing his candidacy for the Incheon Gyeyang-eul by-election and mentioning the circumstances that kept him out of the public eye since the presidential election.

Before his candidacy declaration held at the outdoor performance hall of Gyeyang Mountain in Incheon, Lee said, "Honestly, this is the fourth time I have stepped out the front door," adding, "I suppose I am like a sinner to you all," and "It was actually difficult for me to leave the house."

He explained, "The first time I went out was when a campaign worker who was saying goodbye after my defeat had an unexpected accident. The second time was when I went to President Moon Jae-in to have a drink as a thank you for his hard work. The third time was for a reason I find difficult to talk about. Today is the fourth time I have opened the front door and stepped out."

He also expressed his feelings, saying, "I think it was good to come out." This seems to reflect his conclusion after much deliberation to return early to politics by running again in the Incheon Gyeyang-eul by-election.

Lee said, "I think we should stop this kind of politics where people kill and hate each other, waiting for the opponent to make a mistake to exploit their failure while doing nothing." He continued, "Some think politics is about ruling the country and dominating the people, but I think the opposite," adding, "Politics is about being infinitely responsible to the people."

He stated, "People cannot be free from personal profit and loss or self-interest, but the responsibility as a representative acting on behalf of the people is much greater."

Regarding debates about public disputes, he said, "I feel it is not appropriate to engage in questions and answers on this matter, so I ask for your understanding," and added, "I will hold a press conference later."

Through his candidacy declaration, he said, "There were many advices to keep a distance from the local elections considering my political safety, and it is true that I was also negative about an early return. However, I could not ignore the difficulties the party faces and the precarious situation of the local elections. After deep consideration, I decided to take a risky direct breakthrough to support the struggling Democratic Party and lead the difficult local elections to victory."

He added, "I do not deny that the excessive slander and groundless attacks from the People Power Party trying to block my candidacy were also a factor in my decision," and said, "Fighting at a time, place, and manner the opponent does not want can also be a way to win." He emphasized, "I will throw everything I have to win starting from Incheon and lead a majority victory nationwide."

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