Lee Nak-yeon Departs for the U.S.: "Overcome Curses and Attacks with Justice and Goodness" (Comprehensive)

Regarding questions about internal party conflicts, "I believe comrades will resolve them with conscience and intellect."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the morning of the 7th, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Nak-yeon, departed for Washington, USA, through Incheon International Airport. Former leader Lee plans to study peace on the Korean Peninsula and international politics for one year as a visiting researcher at the Korean Studies Institute of George Washington University.

At the departure gate, he told reporters, "Some people criticize me for leaving, saying they are worried about the domestic situation, but I judged that studying is the better thing I can do right now," adding, "I believe those responsible will handle the various domestic issues well."

When asked about the party’s severe situation, he said, "I believe my comrades will resolve it well with conscience and intellect." He did not respond to questions about factional conflicts within the Democratic Party.

Regarding the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, he stated, "The state is an organization with very noble duties," and added, "I hope they always keep that in mind."

To the supporters who came to see him off at the departure gate, he said, "I wanted to leave immediately, but I thought it was right to provide whatever support I could rather than doing nothing during the presidential and local elections," adding, "There are many worries, but I believe you will continue to dedicate yourselves with loyalty as you have done so far."

While speaking, former leader Lee briefly stopped as if choked up.

He said, "Wildflowers do not feel hurt even if people do not know their names," and added, "The world is the same. Thanks to those who dedicate themselves willingly regardless of recognition, the world does not go far astray and finds its place," urging everyone.

Former leader Lee continued, "Some people despise and hate. I believe you will overcome this with respect and love. Some people curse and attack. I hope you will overcome that with justice and goodness," and said, "I believe love, justice, passion, and common sense will prevail."

Former leader Lee plans to stay in the U.S. for one year as a visiting researcher. However, there are also speculations that his return may be expedited depending on the situation of the Democratic Party, which has not yet recovered from the confusion following consecutive defeats in the presidential and local elections.

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