Lee Jae-myung "One Year Since Yoon's Inauguration, Can People's Livelihoods Get This Bad?"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 9th about President Yoon Suk-yeol's first year in office, "Looking back, can things really get this bad in terms of people's livelihoods?" He added, "I hope that the first year of the presidency will be a turning point to change thoughts and policies, and also change the way of responding to create new hope."

On the same day, Lee made these remarks at a continuous discussion forum evaluating the first year of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, held under the theme "A Broken Year, People Who Endured" at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. He said, "It seems that the first year of the presidency makes us think about what democracy really means."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the continuous debate session "One Year of Collapse, People Who Endured" evaluating the first year of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 9th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Lee said, "We cannot help but think whether the worsening of people's livelihoods was an unavoidable phenomenon or a result of government responsibility," adding, "The important role of the state is to protect the lives and safety of its people and to create a better life. However, it is doubtful whether sufficient roles are being played in terms of security and peace."

He criticized, "Peace is gradually drifting away, and the threats of conflict, confrontation, and war are growing stronger. Due to unnecessary provocations and remarks that could have been avoided, relations with neighboring countries have deteriorated, leading to a crisis on the Korean Peninsula, which has been passed on as security costs, causing economic risks. As a result, South Korea's economy has worsened, and the lives and livelihoods of the people have become difficult."

He continued, "Looking back at the recent reality of South Korean diplomacy, whether it sufficiently respects the pride of the people and whether it is making enough effort and achievements to maintain the nation's dignity, I feel it is not the case at all," and criticized it as a "regrettable reality."

Lee emphasized, "There is still a lot of time ahead," and said, "I hope the Yoon Suk-yeol administration succeeds."

He added, "I also hope President Yoon becomes a successful president. The success of the president and the government guarantees a better future for South Korea," and said, "This forum is not simply about criticizing the ruling party and government as a competing party, but aims to create a field of good-natured competition for a better South Korea. Therefore, even if it tastes a bit bitter, I ask that you listen carefully and accept it."

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