Lee Nak-yeon "Lee Jae-myung's Judicial Issues Tighten Democratic Party"... Will He Become a Rallying Point for the Reform Faction?

"Now It Begins" Lee Nak-yeon, Spotlight on Role in General Election
Shin Kyung-min "May Take Role If Needed"

As the non-Lee Jae-myung faction (anti-Lee Jae-myung faction) members of the Democratic Party of Korea, who have criticized the Lee Jae-myung leadership, launched the 'Principles and Common Sense' group and began collective action, former leader Lee Nak-yeon, who is mentioned as a presidential candidate from the opposition, also joined in criticizing Lee Jae-myung. Attention is focused on whether former leader Lee will play a central role for the anti-Lee faction ahead of next year's general election.

In an interview with Hankyoreh released on the 18th, former leader Lee Nak-yeon strongly criticized Lee Jae-myung by mentioning his judicial risks, saying, "His own judicial issues have tightened the Democratic Party, and as a result, the party's internal moral sensitivity has deteriorated. Democracy and diversity within the party have been suppressed, and efforts for policies or visions have lost their shine."

Former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Nak-yeon, is leaving the conference room after finishing a lecture at the "Survival Strategy of the Republic of Korea" peace studies seminar hosted by the Seoul National University Institute for Unification and Peace Studies, held on the 25th of last month at the International Conference Room of the Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also gave a negative outlook on the Democratic Party's prospects in next year's general election, saying, "The ruling party will not win... but it doesn't seem like the Democratic Party will achieve a big victory either," and "So far, their behavior has not been very attractive to the public."

Former leader Lee Nak-yeon paid attention to the possibility of the rise of a third force in next year's general election. Regarding the Democratic Party's seat forecast, he said, "The performance of the third force will be the biggest variable," adding, "In opinion polls, many respondents say they have 'no supporting party.' When you meet them directly, they are quite solid. Some even say that even the non-partisan group is becoming polarized." He also said about the possibility of success for a new party, "It could vary depending on what kind of vision or message is presented to the public."

Some in the political circle analyze that former leader Lee Nak-yeon might play a role in supporting the anti-Lee faction or the third zone ahead of next year's general election. In the interview, former leader Lee opened the possibility of taking on a specific role in future activities, saying, "I will do it. This is just the beginning."

Former lawmaker Shin Kyung-min, a pro-Lee Nak-yeon faction member, explained in a KBS radio interview on the 20th, "There is considerable consensus that a third force is needed now, and former leader Lee Nak-yeon has expressed support for this," adding, "Currently, the two-party politics is giving not just disappointment but despair."

Shin also added, "Although the third force's performance is not good, this time there is enough space for it, so it seems that he indirectly expressed that if necessary, he might play a role."

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