Sangmin Lee: "For Lee Junseok's New Party to Succeed... Efforts to Uphold Morality Are Necessary"

"Not Sure If There Is a Virtue of Collaborative Public Good"
"Wrong Attitude Toward In Yohan"

Lee Sang-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who had previously left open the possibility of joining the new party led by former leader Lee Jun-seok, advised that the success of the "Lee Jun-seok new party" would require "considerable effort to be morally upright in character."

On the 15th, Lee said on BBS's "Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal," "It will depend on the magnanimity and boldness to join hands with other politicians and political forces, as well as the self-restraint to let others take the lead and shine rather than leading oneself," emphasizing these qualities as key to success.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee, who announced he would make a decision about his own political future before early December, had on the 7th told CBS Radio, "The possibility is open in any case," leaving open the possibility of joining the "Lee Jun-seok new party."

However, when asked by the host about his impression of meeting former leader Lee Jun-seok directly, he said, "I have much to learn from him technically, but what is more important than technique or the language and terms used is whether one truly serves the people with a humble heart before them," adding, "I am not sure if he possesses the virtue of sharing others' wisdom collectively and collaborating for the common good."

He also stated, "The attitude toward Innovation Committee Chairman In Yo-han in Busan was very wrong," adding, "This is something former leader Lee should apologize for quickly, but letting it pass is repeating the arrogance and refusal to apologize for mistakes that previous senior and current politicians commit." Former leader Lee had called Chairman In, who came to his lecture in Busan, "Mr. Linton" and spoke to him in English, sparking a controversy over alleged racial discrimination.

With the non-Myeong (非明) faction's group "Principles and Common Sense" about to launch, the host pointed out concerns that this group might become the foundation for a mass defection. Lee responded, "My position is to quickly decide whether to stay in the party or leave, and if I stay, to devote myself wholeheartedly to correcting the party regardless of the outcome. If I find it impossible, then to leave. After settling this, I will decide on various courses of action," adding, "Other lawmakers have slight differences in opinion, thinking it is not yet time to leave the party."

Lee said he plans to decide whether to stay or leave the party by early next month. When the host asked him to express the "possibility of leaving the party" as a percentage, he replied, "That is something I will decide with my own resolve. There is no percentage or condition, nor any demands on Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung as some speculate," adding, "If the decision is delayed, it could be perceived as bargaining over nominations and be exploited, so I must decide quickly."

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