"The Responsibility for the Confusion Lies with Me"… Lee Jae-myung Apologizes at Closed Party Meeting

Apology to Members at Private Lawmakers' Meeting
Leadership: "We Will Promptly Reform Party Management"
Full Committee on 23rd: "Will Actively Participate"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, apologized to the lawmakers on the 16th at the party meeting held at the National Assembly, taking responsibility for the internal turmoil that arose after the vote on the arrest consent motion. At the same time, he accepted calls from within the party for a reorganization of party positions and pledged to make efforts for better outcomes. Meanwhile, Democratic Party lawmakers agreed to actively participate in the plenary committee to be formed on the 23rd to discuss electoral system reform.

Oh Young-hwan, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, said in a back briefing in front of the National Assembly Budget Committee meeting room right after the party meeting that "the remarks from Leader Lee came first in the closed meeting," adding, "There was an acknowledgment that the members’ loyalty and criticism toward the party regarding the process and outcome of the (arrest consent motion vote) that occurred at the plenary session on the 27th of last month were humbly accepted." He also said, "Leader Lee stated that the fundamental cause of the situation stemmed from a lack of communication by the leadership, including himself, and that he takes responsibility for the confusion."

Leader Lee reportedly emphasized that the party must show unity to win the general election. Oh said, "He expressed that he is willing to do anything for the victory in the general election," adding, "He said that when the public is angry at the ruling party’s incompetence and immorality and evaluates it accordingly, the Democratic Party must present a united front to gain the public’s trust."

Regarding the intensified conflicts within the party, it was reported that he said, "The party leader takes responsibility for all of it." Leader Lee pledged, "I will do my best to maintain internal balance and reduce conflicts."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is saluting the national flag at the members' meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 16th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Regarding the calls from some within the party for a reorganization of party positions, he said, "I listened to the demands of lawmakers that many changes are needed in party operations, and I also said that I will work together to achieve better results," adding, "Regarding the leadership composition, I have listened carefully to many criticisms and the opinions, wisdom, and insights shared during communication with lawmakers, and I will make choices to create better outcomes," leaving the possibility open.

In earlier public remarks, Floor Leader Park Hong-geun also said, "The majority opinion among party lawmakers was that methods causing party division are absolutely unacceptable, and that the party leadership should reflect humbly and embrace inclusiveness to provide stability to the people and the party through party reform and achievements in people’s livelihood," adding, "Among the opinions given by lawmakers, we will promptly improve issues such as the unhindered and frank improvement of party meetings and floor operations." He also emphasized in closing remarks during the closed meeting that "We will continue efforts to dispel misunderstandings through communication among lawmakers, the party, the public, and party members."

After Leader Lee’s remarks, lawmakers discussed electoral system reform for about three hours. Around 20 lawmakers participated in the open discussion.

In particular, there was consensus that the Democratic Party will actively participate in the plenary committee to be formed on the 23rd. Oh said, "The Democratic Party agreed to actively participate in the plenary committee with the mindset that our party will take the lead in political reform demanded by the majority of the public," adding, "Many lawmakers demanded that the leadership pursue political reform and electoral system reform with stronger determination and more active efforts."

Opinions among lawmakers differ regarding the specific reform methods. At the party meeting that day, various opinions were reportedly presented on issues such as increasing the number of seats, adopting a large multi-member district system, and introducing a semi-linked proportional representation system. Going forward, the Democratic Party plans to decide its position based on internal discussions and multiple proposals, including the three electoral reform plans proposed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, two plans delivered by the Innovation Committee, and multiple proposals to be approved by the Special Committee on Political Reform.

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