Lee Nak-yeon Denies Retirement Rumors: "I Will Focus on National Project Research"

"Established National Project Research Institute and Conducting Research"
Also Studying Chinese Language and North Korean Issues
Lee Nak-yeon Side: "Never Received a Resignation Request"

Former New Future Party leader Lee Nak-yeon stated on the 23rd, "I have long given up the ambition to become something," but also expressed his determination, saying, "I will not turn a blind eye to the nation's crisis."

Through social media on the same day, the former leader said, "I cannot and do not involve myself in the politics that happen daily," but added, "Nevertheless, I believe I cannot ignore the direction and fate of the Republic of Korea, so I occasionally share my thoughts. I believe this is my duty as someone who has received great benefits from the country."

Although he has stepped back from the political frontline, he also expressed his intention to prepare for a role in national issues. He said, "In August, I reorganized my existing research group to establish the 'Incorporated Association for National Task Research,' and I am serving as its director," adding, "As the name suggests, we will research national tasks."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also introduced that he is studying North Korean issues and the Korean Peninsula at the University of North Korean Studies and is separately studying Chinese.

Lee diagnosed, "Our society, including politics, is rife with lawlessness and falsehoods. The nation has lost its direction, and politics has lost its way. The Republic of Korea is caught in a complex crisis," and then said, "I will not ignore the nation's crisis."

His recent update is presumed to be influenced by reports that the anti-Lee Jae-myung faction meeting called 'Choilhoe' demanded Lee's retirement from politics. Previously, a CBS broadcaster's commentator mentioned on air that one member of Choilhoe demanded Lee's retirement from politics, and that Lee accepted this demand.

However, regarding this matter, both the person involved and Lee's representatives have denied receiving any retirement demands or accepting retirement, expressing opposition.

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