Lee Nak-yeon Publishes Book 'Survival Strategy for the Republic of Korea'... Starting Comeback

Book Launch Event Soon in New York... Planned to be Held Domestically as Well

Former Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Nak-yeon, currently residing in the United States, has published a book outlining his vision for foreign strategy in the new Cold War era. Lee, who left for the U.S. in June last year, will return to Korea this June after completing a year of study abroad. The book is the result of this academic experience.

By announcing the publication of his book, Lee appears to be gearing up for a full-fledged return to politics. Attention is focused on whether he can become a savior to resolve the chaotic situation within the party caused by Lee Jae-myung’s judicial risks and the money envelope scandal surrounding the party convention.

On the 26th, Lee posted on Facebook, "I explored foreign strategies for South Korea’s survival during this chaotic great transition," announcing the release of his book "South Korea’s Survival Strategy ? Lee Nak-yeon’s Vision." He introduced it by saying, "The post-Cold War era has ended, and the U.S.-China new Cold War has become an imminent reality. South Korea faces an unprecedented crisis," adding, "South Korea needs a new survival strategy. This book contains my thoughts and vision on that."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "It is rare for a politician to research a specific field and publish a book. My book is a rare challenge. Moreover, foreign strategy is a specialized and complex field," he self-assessed.

While keeping some distance from domestic politics, Lee has voiced opinions on the Yoon Seok-youl administration’s diplomacy. On the 20th, he referred to President Yoon’s interview with Reuters, criticizing, "The Yoon administration’s diplomacy is dangerous because it does not understand Korea’s geopolitical destiny."

Lee pointed out, "Korea is a peninsula country connecting the continent and the ocean," and emphasized, "We must maintain constructive relations with neighboring continental countries China and Russia. We must not take a hostile approach."

Lee plans to hold a book launch event soon in New York and another in Korea after his return in June. Analysts suggest that Lee is starting to actively prepare for his political comeback through this book publication ahead of his return.

The political world is paying close attention to Lee’s moves. The current situation of the Democratic Party ahead of next year’s general election is unfavorable. Lee Jae-myung’s judicial risks are ongoing, and a money envelope scandal involving several incumbent Democratic Party lawmakers and affiliates has emerged. Lee has long been regarded as a figure who could serve as a new focal point whenever the Democratic Party faces a crisis.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee, who briefly returned to Korea recently to attend his father-in-law’s funeral, reportedly expressed concern about the money envelope scandal during a dinner with pro-Lee Nak-yeon faction lawmakers on the 13th.

Park Kwang-on, a pro-Lee faction lawmaker running for the Democratic Party floor leader election, said in a YTN radio interview on the 26th regarding the money envelope scandal, "I think the attitude of dismissing this issue as insignificant or expecting it to be forgotten over time should be avoided."

When asked about Lee’s potential role, Park did not give a specific answer but said, "In short, it is not an unrealistic expectation," suggesting that Lee could play a role.

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