"Democratic Party Must Become Concrete, Not Sand or Gravel"… Lee Jae-myung Emphasizes 'Unity' in Acceptance Speech

"Cooperate with the government and ruling party if it helps the people's lives"
"Request a summit to put heads together and find solutions"
"Firmly oppose regression and unilateral actions that reverse history"
"Achieve the nationwide party status of the Democratic Party"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Lee Jae-myung, the newly appointed leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, declared on the 28th his determination to put people’s livelihoods at the forefront, cooperate with the government and ruling party, but firmly oppose regression and unilateral actions. He promised to nationalize the Democratic Party and unify it into a ‘concrete party.’

After being elected as the new leader at the regular national delegates’ convention held at the Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Arena, Lee said in his acceptance speech, "First is people’s livelihoods, second is people’s livelihoods, and last is also people’s livelihoods," adding, "I will transform society from one that guarantees a minimum standard of living to one that guarantees a basic standard of living."

Lee pledged, "If the lives of the people can advance even half a step, I will be the first to cooperate with the government and ruling party," and promised, "I will request a summit meeting to put our heads together and find solutions." He said, "If we take the right path for the people and the nation, I will roll up my sleeves and support the success of the government and ruling party."

However, he stated, "I will firmly oppose regression and unilateral actions that undermine the values of people’s livelihoods, the economy, democracy, and peace, and that turn back history," adding, "If it is the will of the people, if it is necessary for people’s livelihoods, I will exercise the authority entrusted by the people to the fullest and most actively without hesitation." He warned, "If we fail to properly carry out rational checks and balances, cooperation, and practical livelihood reforms, the despair and anger of the people will be directed not only at the government and ruling party but also at our Democratic Party," and pledged, "I will clearly fulfill this grave responsibility entrusted to the Democratic Party." This means that if the government and ruling party show signs of regression and unilateralism, he will not back down and will fight.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee also promised reforms within the Democratic Party. He said, "I have promised to create a future-oriented party preparing the vision for the future of the Republic of Korea, a competent and strong party, a Democratic Party that innovates from within the people, and a unified Democratic Party," adding, "For the structurally minority Democratic Party, the way to achieve stable victories without relying on the political failures or coincidences of the government and ruling party is to become a national party that transcends regionalism." Lee said, "Through long-term and systematic preparation and execution, I will take full responsibility for the nationalization of the Democratic Party."

Self-identifying as an outsider within the party, Lee also emphasized party unity. He said, "It is impossible to take power without uniting the aspirations of party members and supporters," and added, "In a democratic party where diversity is essential, differences are not subjects of exclusion but sources of synergy through role sharing." He stressed, "The Democratic Party must now become concrete, not a pile of sand or gravel," and said, "Anyone who is capable and supported by party members and the people will have opportunities according to the Democratic Party’s firm nomination system."

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