"Democrats, Trust Will Completely Collapse"… Lee Nak-yeon and Yoo In-tae Oppose 'Return to Parallel System'

Lee Jae-myung Criticized for Saying "What's the Use of Losing with Style"
"Roh Moo-hyun Lost Many Times but Became President"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, made remarks that seemed to suggest a return to the parallel proportional representation system, drawing criticism not only from other opposition parties but also from within his own party, particularly from factions opposed to Lee, who labeled it a 'regression.'

On the 28th, during his YouTube broadcast, Lee stated, "An election is a contest," and "What use is it to lose gracefully?" implying that the parallel proportional representation system should be adopted. This can also be interpreted as a stance to maintain the semi-proportional representation system applied in the 21st general election while allowing the formation of satellite parties, which had sparked controversy over loopholes.

The semi-proportional representation system, introduced under the leadership of the Democratic Party, was implemented in the 21st general election with the intention of expanding the entry of minor parties into the National Assembly. However, the creation of satellite parties has been criticized for undermining the original purpose. In response, the ruling People Power Party has advocated a return to the parallel proportional representation system used until the 20th general election, but there is also considerable criticism against reverting to the old system.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 27th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon criticized the return to the parallel system as "a violation of the principles upheld by the Democratic Party." In an interview with SBS Radio, Lee said, "One principle that the Democratic Party has consistently upheld is support for a multiparty system," adding, "We need to consider whether decisions that contradict the values we have long pursued and betray the expectations of civil society will lead to victory or not."

Targeting Lee Jae-myung's remarks, he emphasized, "Regardless of winning or losing, the public expects promises to be kept," and stated, "It is right to adopt an electoral system that better supports a multiparty system. Maintaining the semi-proportional system on the premise of abandoning satellite parties is the demand of the current era."

Yu In-tae, a senior figure in the opposition and former Secretary-General of the National Assembly, also criticized Lee's remarks on CBS Radio, calling them "a complete denial of Roh Moo-hyun's spirit." Yu said, "Lee Jae-myung truly thinks Roh Moo-hyun's life was foolish. Roh Moo-hyun lost gracefully multiple times," and questioned, "Is someone who says such things really carrying on Roh Moo-hyun's spirit?"

He added, "If the promise is completely broken this time and there is a regression to the parallel system, trust in the Democratic Party and in Lee Jae-myung will be completely destroyed. Even from a practical cost-benefit perspective, the losses incurred would be much greater than the gains from obtaining seats through a return to the parallel system."

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