Lee Nak-yeon Leaving for the U.S.: "Even if the River Bends and Twists, It Does Not Give Up on the Sea"

Planning to Stay in the U.S. for One Year as a Visiting Researcher

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Nak-yeon, departed for the United States on the 7th. Quoting the late President Roh Moo-hyun's remark, "Rivers do not give up on the sea," Lee expressed his faith in the future and the people.

On the same day, through social media (SNS), Lee introduced, "Today, I am going to the United States with my wife. The period is planned to be one year," adding, "I will study peace on the Korean Peninsula and international politics as a Visiting Scholar at the Korean Studies Institute of George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and plan to interact with related figures."

He said, "Some people criticize me for leaving at a time when the country is worrying," but added, "I expect responsible people to do well." He continued, "I believe the common sense, sense of justice, patriotism, and capabilities of the people will guide the way," and said, "I worry about the present, but I believe in the future." Furthermore, he stated, "Even if rivers bend and curve, they do not give up on the sea."

The day before, Lee quoted Sister Lee Hae-in's poem, "Song of the Wildflower." The poem includes lines such as, "Just because it hides very small does not mean it is incomplete. People do not know that I also have a beautiful name, but I am not upset. I have long learned from the wind how to wait and how to sing, so I just live happily. Because life is dyed in green, I am not afraid of being forgotten."

On the 5th, after paying respects at the tomb of former President Kim Dae-jung, Lee introduced a passage from the last diary of President Kim’s life, "Life is beautiful, and history progresses," mentioning that he wanted to reflect on it together with the people.

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