Lee Jae-myung: "Local elections, it's common sense that the side defeated in the presidential election faced difficulties... After much 고민, final decision to run in Gyeyang-eul"

Lee Jae-myung: "I Don't Want to Lose Another Election... The Weight of Responsibility Presses Heavily on My Shoulders"

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Jun-yi and Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for party leader, stated regarding his candidacy in the June 1 by-election for Incheon Gyeyang District, "I made the final decision that directly participating (in the election) would be more helpful for the overall local elections."

At a press conference held on the 3rd at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, when asked by reporters, "How do you think your candidacy in Incheon Gyeyang District affected the local elections?" Lee replied, "Symbolically, it was a situation where I had no choice but to participate in the local elections, and after much consideration, I decided to participate." He added, "Although I was in a situation where I could not be involved in candidate nominations, there was an opinion that participating in the local elections was one way to get those who supported me in the presidential election to come out to vote."

He further stated, "Regarding the local elections, it was commonly accepted as common sense that the side defeated in the presidential election would be in a very difficult situation." He also said, "I do not want to lose another election. The historic duty and responsibility weigh heavily on my shoulders."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party representative candidate, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee criticized some media outlets for malicious reporting practices and emphasized the need for reform. He said, "I believe most media outlets are trying to report with integrity," but added, "Although it may be a very small minority, there are quite a few one-sided aggressive reports not based on facts." He continued, "When someone makes a claim, it is right to verify whether it is true and only report it if it is believed to be factual," adding, "Because the media's influence on certain individuals is very significant and potentially fatal, they should be more cautious."

Regarding the flood of attacks related to concerns about 'party factionalization' directed at him, he drew a clear line, saying, "I do not understand why the term factionalization is being used. I want to emphasize that the Democratic Party is a public party." He responded, "It could be anxiety, suspicion, or attacks, but the Democratic Party has a clear system regarding candidate nominations." He added, "If a candidate is competitive with loyalty and passion for the country and the people, as well as capability and achievements, their right to be judged and chosen by party members and the public through a firm system is guaranteed."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

In his opening remarks before the Q&A session with reporters, Lee emphasized that the Democratic Party would be chosen not as the 'lesser evil' but as the 'best, or at least the second-best choice.' He said, "The Democratic Party has fought and devoted itself for the democracy of this country. Expectations were high regarding that point. I believe we were able to receive the people's love because we fulfilled those expectations together with the people."

He added, "We will innovate as a competent people's livelihood party loved by the people, communicate with party members among the people, and properly fulfill the role of a strong and capable opposition party." He continued, "Since the Democratic Party has already achieved significant progress in the most important historical task of restoring democracy, it must present new challenges and visions beyond that," and said, "We must move toward guaranteeing the basic lives of the people in terms of ensuring a 'minimum standard of living.'"

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