Choi Jae-sung "Joint Signature to Deter New Democratic Party... Lee Nak-yeon May Be Pushed Out of the Party"

"It is important to actively persuade Lee Nak-yeon"

Over 100 members of the Democratic Party of Korea participated in a joint signature campaign to dissuade former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon from founding a new party, while former lawmaker Choi Jae-sung, who served as the Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs under the Moon Jae-in administration, pointed out that "this could have the effect of pushing former leader Lee Nak-yeon out of the party."

On the 18th, former lawmaker Choi appeared on the special KBS 1 Radio program "Today" and said, "While signing or such actions can be done, when you think about whether it can really work as a method of persuasion, I don't think so."

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon is entering Samyuk Health College in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 11th to give a lecture on "Survival Strategy of the Republic of Korea." Photo by Yonhap News

He continued, "Now, it is important to actively persuade former leader Lee Nak-yeon behind the scenes, and if persuasion does not work, then how to handle these active behind-the-scenes efforts becomes crucial," adding, "If signatures are collected and strong criticisms follow, it could again function to push former leader Lee out."

Regarding the possibility of former leader Lee Nak-yeon forming an alliance with former Prime Ministers Kim Boo-kyum and Chung Sye-kyun, he said, "Especially on the issues of leaving the party and founding a new party, former leader Lee and the two have completely different views," adding, "At least concerning the new party issue, there is no point where they can cooperate."

Regarding the Democratic Party of Korea's reversal within a day of approving the nomination eligibility of Jeong Ui-chan, a special advisor to the party leader, amid controversy over the death of a civilian under torture, he pointed out, "Leader Lee said it seemed like a work-related mistake, but such incidents should never happen." Former lawmaker Choi said, "It's like the saying 'Don't tie your hat string under the plum tree,' but in fact, this is a matter that should be concluded through a proper verification process, and the fact that such a person was simply passed through is itself a problem."

He added, "In a situation where stories about the party's internal massacre, pro-Moon faction hegemony in nominations, and such controversies are ongoing, it is very regrettable that such an incident occurred," and said, "If it was a work-related mistake, measures should be taken."

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