Lee Jae-myung "Starting indefinite hunger strike today... Will prevent the destruction of democracy" (Comprehensive)

1st Anniversary of Inauguration of Lee... Declares 'Indefinite Hunger Strike'
"Starting a People's Uprising Against the Incompetent Violent Regime"
Criticizes Prosecution Investigation as 'Stalking'... "Will Respond to Investigation Even During Hunger Strike"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who marked his first anniversary in office, began an indefinite hunger strike on the 31st. Given ongoing controversies such as Japan's discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, the Marine Corps mutiny incident, and disputes over history and ideology, he announced the start of a ‘people’s resistance’ against the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. He demanded a presidential apology to the public, the prevention of Japan’s nuclear contaminated water discharge, and a comprehensive overhaul of state affairs from the Yoon administration.

The declaration of the hunger strike came after a motion to expel independent lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, who left the Democratic Party amid controversy over large virtual asset investments, was rejected due to opposition from Democratic Party lawmakers. This sparked calls for accountability from some within the party toward Lee, and it was reported that the prosecution plans to request an arrest warrant for Lee next month.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly that morning, Lee stated, “With a resolve of life or death, I will prevent the destruction of democracy,” and added, “As a last resort, I am starting an indefinite hunger strike from today.” He continued, “The Yoon Suk-yeol regime has destroyed the constitutional order and democracy and declared war on the people,” emphasizing, “Today will be the first day to judge this ruthless regime and restore democracy.”

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is on a hunger strike in front of the National Assembly main building on the 31st. At a press conference marking his first anniversary in office, Lee declared, "I will start a national uprising against the incompetent and violent regime," and began an indefinite hunger strike. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

He further criticized, “The regime has become an accomplice by not resisting but rather echoing Japan’s nuclear wastewater dumping terrorism, which threatens the safety and property of the people and infringes on maritime sovereignty,” and pointed out, “Fishermen, sashimi restaurants, and those working in fisheries are facing threats to their livelihoods, and the safety of the nation’s food supply is a concern, yet the president calls those opposing ‘agitators who say 1+1 is 100’ and says he will ‘fight the people.’”

Lee demanded from the government ▲a presidential public apology to the people for the destruction of livelihoods and democracy ▲a clear stance opposing Japan’s nuclear contaminated water discharge and filing a case with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ▲a comprehensive overhaul of state affairs and a cabinet reshuffle.

Continuing his criticism of the Yoon administration, Lee mentioned the relocation of General Hong Beom-do’s bust, suspicions of external pressure in the death case of the late Corporal Chae, and the livelihood economy. He said, “They slandered independence war hero General Hong Beom-do as a communist and declared the removal of his bust. There are even talks that someone from the Gando Special Force, who suppressed the independence army, will replace it,” and pointed out, “The outdated McCarthyism that hunted communists is being revived in South Korea.”

Regarding suspicions of external pressure in the investigation of the late Corporal Chae’s death case, he emphasized, “Serious privatization of power and state affairs manipulation are causing South Korea to collapse,” and added, “The regime, which should resolve the grievances of a young man who answered the nation’s call but died unjustly, reveal the truth of the case, and prevent recurrence, is instead hastily covering up the truth without taking responsibility.”

He continued, “The collapse of South Korea is underway due to the regime’s abandonment of people’s livelihoods,” saying, “In the midst of a complex crisis, even small business owners and self-employed people are falling into new poverty, and irregular workers find it hard to even pay interest despite working hard. High inflation, high exchange rates, and high interest rates persist, and economic indicators are all red due to job shortages, sluggish exports, and weak domestic demand.”

Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is under suspicion of preferential treatment in the Baekhyun-dong development, is appearing at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 17th for investigation. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Regarding various ‘judicial risks’ surrounding him, Lee labeled them as ‘prosecutorial stalking’ and criticized the prosecution, saying, “They have conducted over 400 searches and seizures in nearly two years, thoroughly searching like dusting off, but there is not a single piece of evidence of wrongdoing.”

On allegations of preferential treatment in the Baekhyeon-dong development, he said, “The Baekhyeon-dong Food Research Institute was specifically instructed by the president twice during meetings,” and regarding the Ssangbangwool Group’s alleged illegal remittances to North Korea, he refuted point by point, “It is said that Ssangbangwool paid $5 million for smart farms and $3 million for North Korea visits, so did Ssangbangwool gain profits by signing a North Korea business agreement without paying a single penny?”

Regarding the upcoming summons by the prosecution, he responded, “I will not give up my work just because I am on a hunger strike,” and “The prosecution’s investigation will not be affected at all.”

When asked about opinions that he should request the approval of his arrest motion, he retorted, “You keep talking about the arrest motion, but do you think this corresponds to grounds for detention?”

Regarding calls for his resignation from some within the party, he dismissed them, saying, “Even in absolute monarchies, there are naturally people who want the king to step down. It is natural and expected,” and added, “Exaggeration is not desirable. Even now, our Democratic Party supporters and members overwhelmingly support the current party leadership.”

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