Lee Nak-yeon: "I Will Play a Role So Politics Can Find Its Way"

Publication of 'Survival Strategy of the Republic of Korea', US Meeting
"Politics has lost its way, and the people have lost a place to rest their hearts"

"It seems that South Korea is losing its unified goal. Politics has lost its way, and the people have nowhere to place their hearts."

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon said this on the 22nd (local time) at George Washington University in Washington DC, USA, during the book launch meeting for 'Survival Strategy of the Republic of Korea.'

In particular, former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon stated, "I do not know how far my role can go to help politics find its way and for the people to have somewhere to place their hearts, but my determination is to do what I can."

This is a noteworthy statement regarding the future course of former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, who is drawing attention for his political role ahead of the 22nd general election on April 10 next year.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon explained, "I believe South Korea is not managing domestic and international crises well enough. I also bear responsibility for this. I believe I must take full responsibility." Lee Nak-yeon had prepared to run in the 2022 presidential election but failed to achieve his goal after losing to Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, in the party primary.

His mention of a political role is connected to his dreams beyond next year, including the 2027 presidential election. Regarding the current state of the Democratic Party, Lee Nak-yeon warned, "The existing major parties must undergo bold innovation and break out of their shells. If they fail to do so, external shocks may occur."

Regarding the Korea-US relationship, Lee Nak-yeon said, "I think the United States wants an ally that can speak frankly," adding, "The leader of an allied country who has the support of their people will become a more valuable partner. I believe the United States wants such a leader."

On setting relations with China, he said, "I hope the United States understands and supports that South Korea needs to maintain constructive relations with China, including existing economic ties," and added, "If South Korea becomes economically more vulnerable, its value as an ally to the United States could decline."

Reflecting on regrets during his tenure as prime minister, he said, "It would have been good if something had been established to ensure that the core of North Korea policy would not change even if the administration changed, but that was not achieved."

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