Why Did Lee Nak-yeon Visit DJ's Grave Site as His First Schedule After Returning to Korea?

Seol Hoon, Yoon Young-chan and Other Lee Nak-yeon Faction Lawmakers Accompany
"DJ is My Political Starting Point... Return Greeting"

"Former President Kim Dae-jung is the starting point of my politics."

These were the words conveyed by former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon after visiting the grave of former President Kim Dae-jung as his first schedule following his return to Korea on the 24th. On the 28th, Lee Nak-yeon paid respects at the DJ grave site in the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Lawmakers from Lee Nak-yeon's faction, including Seol Hoon and Yoon Young-chan, accompanied him.

Lee Nak-yeon's actions are one of the variables that will influence the future direction of the Democratic Party. This is because the relationship setting with Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader, and the structure of the next presidential election could change depending on Lee Nak-yeon's moves. Politicians' words, actions, and even facial expressions are all political. Having experienced politics in Yeouido for over 20 years, Lee Nak-yeon is a well-trained political figure.

Former leader of the Democratic Party Lee Nak-yeon is walking to the grave of the late former President Kim Dae-jung at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 28th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

What message he will deliver after returning, whom he will meet, and where he will make his first official move all carry political significance. The political circles in Yeouido showed interest in Lee Nak-yeon's first steps. There was speculation that he might meet former President Moon Jae-in first.

There was also speculation that he might hold a sudden meeting with Lee Jae-myung. Lee Nak-yeon's choice was to pay respects at the DJ grave site. There, he conveyed the message that former President Kim Dae-jung is the starting point of his politics. Lee Nak-yeon explained, "Just as I came here to say farewell when I left the country a year ago, I am now here to greet upon my return."

For Lee Nak-yeon, who has worked closely with DJ since entering politics, paying respects at the Memorial Cemetery is a natural act. He served as a member of the National Assembly from Jeonnam and even as governor of Jeonnam. After DJ's passing, the leadership position in Honam became vacant, making Lee Nak-yeon's political moves a subject of interest. If Honam had firmly supported politician Lee Nak-yeon in the last presidential race, the Democratic Party primary results might have been different.

However, politician Lee Nak-yeon only narrowly led in Gwangju and Jeonnam, while in Jeonbuk, he had to settle for consolation as politician Lee Jae-myung secured a majority vote. For Lee Nak-yeon, who started his political career in Honam, this was a painful primary result. In that sense, choosing to visit the DJ grave site as his first schedule is noteworthy.

From the perspective of politician Lee Nak-yeon, looking toward the 2027 presidential election, establishing a political stronghold in Honam is an important task.

The change in public sentiment in Honam depends on Lee Nak-yeon's political influence. If a belief forms that supporting Lee Nak-yeon can lead to victory in the presidential election, the opposition presidential race led by Lee Jae-myung is also expected to undergo changes.

Lee Nak-yeon is expected to focus on greeting upon his return for the time being. Given that he paid respects at the DJ grave site, visits to former President Roh Moo-hyun’s grave in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, and former President Moon Jae-in’s residence in Yangsan are being pointed to as his next destinations. The messages he will deliver there are the focus of attention.

In particular, attention is on what kind of conversation the two will have during the meeting with former President Moon Jae-in. Even if the words exchanged are meant as well-wishes, political interpretations could go beyond that. It is intriguing to wonder what Lee Nak-yeon will say and what he will hear.

Lee Nak-yeon is also expected to hold an official meeting with Lee Jae-myung in some form. Their meeting is anticipated to be a turning point not only for the next presidential race but also for various internal challenges within the Democratic Party.

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