Lee Jae-myung and Kim Kyung-soo Meeting... "All Forces Must Unite" in One Voice

Met at the National Assembly on the 13th, Agreed on Overcoming Internal Conflict
Kim: "DJ Joined Hands with Forces That Tried to Kill Him"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo on the 13th and said, "I believe it is necessary for all forces that agree on overcoming the internal conflict to unite their strength."

At the meeting with former Governor Kim at the National Assembly that afternoon, Lee said, "I sincerely welcome former Governor Kim's reinstatement after enduring hardships together with our party members."

Lee emphasized, "Currently, forces that destroy the Constitution and anti-national elements are rampant in South Korea. Overcoming this constitutional destruction and maintaining the constitutional order, which can be considered our greatest value, and protecting the lives of the people are truly important."

He continued, "I believe it is necessary to unite the forces that protect the Constitution and all forces that agree on overcoming the internal conflict."

Lee added, "The term 'constitutional protection grand coalition' might sound strange, but in any case, within the widest possible scope where we can gather strength, I hope to overcome these difficult circumstances, give hope to the people, and walk the path where South Korea stands tall again, hand in hand with former Governor Kim."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Kyung-soo, former governor of Gyeongnam, are meeting at the National Assembly on the 13th. 2025.2.13 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

In response, former Governor Kim said, "I believe we need to create a broader and stronger democratic coalition." He emphasized, "Only such a coalition can be the power to overcome the current difficult times. Former President Kim Dae-jung (DJ) even joined hands with forces that tried to kill him to achieve a regime change. Even now, we must embrace all forces that can unite and work together."

Former Governor Kim stated, "If we fail to achieve regime change this time, we will all become sinners of history. The Democratic Party must become more diverse. The logic of extremism and exclusion that does not tolerate different voices must be overcome. It is not a fandom issue but a systemic problem."

He added, "The online-centered communication structure inevitably leads to polarization. We must significantly open various spaces where party members can engage in discussions and deliberations to become the true owners of the Democratic Party."

Former Governor Kim said, "I think policies related to our party's identity and line must go through democratic discussion and deliberation procedures. When the public sees this process and gains confidence that 'the Democratic Party can be entrusted with state affairs,' regime change will be possible."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Kyung-soo, former governor of Gyeongnam, are walking to the meeting room at the National Assembly on the 13th. 2025.2.13 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

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