Lee Nak-yeon Leaves Democratic Party... "Cooperating with Comrades of Principles and Common Sense"

Leaving the Democratic Party After 24 Years in Politics
"Degraded into a Bulletproof Party with Vulgar Behavior"
Hints at Joining 'Principles and Common Sense'... "Will Create New Politics"

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon has announced his departure from the Democratic Party. It marks 24 years since he entered politics through the selection by former President Kim Dae-jung (DJ).

On the afternoon of the 11th, Lee held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office and declared, "I have decided to leave the Democratic Party, which I have been a part of for 24 years, and embark on a new path to serve the Republic of Korea from a new position and in a new way." He said, "Many people have come and gone from the Democratic Party, but I have never left it and have protected it," adding, "Leaving the Democratic Party, which was my 'house of the heart,' is a painful matter."

Former leader of the Democratic Party, Lee Nak-yeon, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 11th, declaring his resignation from the party and the establishment of a new party. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

He particularly criticized the 'Lee Jae-myung leadership.' He pointed out, "The spirit, values, and dignity of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, which the Democratic Party once proudly upheld, have disappeared, and it has degenerated into a 'one-man party' and a 'bulletproof party' where violent and low-level behavior runs rampant." He added, "Young lawmakers capable of preserving and realizing the spirit and values of the Democratic Party have consecutively given up running for office." He raised his voice, saying, "Critics within the party and my supporters have been humiliated as 'watermelons' nationwide for two years and attacked as targets for 'punishment.' The spirit of inclusion and unity embodied by Kim Dae-jung has disappeared."

Lee defined the core of the national crisis as a 'crisis of politics' and presented goals such as ▲politics without privileges ▲rule of law without sacred cows. In particular, he emphasized, "Currently, the ruling party shields itself with its number of seats, and the president shields himself with veto power in the Republic of Korea," and said, "I will create a new political force that transcends extreme factional confrontations to solve national tasks and help improve the lives of the people."

Although he initially planned to establish his own new party, he hinted at joining the reformist faction 'Principles and Common Sense,' which left the Democratic Party earlier. Lee stated, "First, I will cooperate with comrades from the group of lawmakers 'Principles and Common Sense,' who have worked for reform within the Democratic Party." He continued, "Anyone who shares the same intention should join forces," and added, "I will help youth and professionals gain opportunities to participate in politics."

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