Lee Nak-yeon: "Kim Nam-guk will be settled today... Maximum support for Daegu and Gyeongbuk, including supplementary budget"

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, who is running in Jongno, Seoul, is giving a greeting at the "Let's Go Meet Lee Nak-yeon" event held on the 18th at the Jongno-gu election office in Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, who serves as co-chairman of the Democratic Party's election countermeasures committee, said that the 'Geum Tae-seop-Kim Nam-guk incident' will soon be resolved. Regarding the spread of COVID-19 in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, he stated, "We must provide maximum support," and mentioned that if necessary, an additional supplementary budget should be prepared.

On the morning of the 16th, former Prime Minister Lee appeared on KBS Radio and was asked, "How do you think the situation with lawyer Kim Nam-guk will be resolved?" He replied, "The party must have thoroughly studied the method of resolution, and I believe there was consultation among the parties involved. I expect it to be neatly resolved soon."

When asked, "Will a decision be made today?" he said, "It shouldn't be delayed too much today. It will happen soon," adding, "This issue did not arise from the party's initial thoughts but seems to have started from opinions of those related to that side. It shouldn't have escalated this far."

Regarding a question about whether the statement by Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan that both individuals are valuable talents implies they will be sent to other constituencies, he answered, "Doesn't resolution mean something like that?"

Former Prime Minister Lee emphasized, "It would be good if there were no adverse factors, but such factors always exist to some extent," and added, "Sometimes adverse factors reduce trust, but depending on how they are managed, trust can actually increase."

He said, "Regarding the case of Professor Im Am-gu, I immediately requested the party to withdraw the complaint within a day, and it was done as requested," and continued, "When the apology issue became a point of contention, I calmed the situation by saying, 'I apologize to the people.' I believe efforts to cut off adverse factors without delay are necessary."

Regarding the conflict between the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution, he said, "It is better to avoid prolonged conflicts over any issue," and added, "While a significant number of citizens want prosecution reform, I believe the Ministry of Justice is aware that continuing to drag out this issue is unwise."

On COVID-19, he said, "Amplifying excessive anxiety does not help this situation. Trusting the government's quarantine measures and cooperating is the priority." However, concerning the spread of COVID-19 in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, he said, "We must certainly provide maximum support," and added, "If necessary, I think we should prepare an additional supplementary budget."

Regarding his COVID-19 test taken that morning, he said, "I had no symptoms during the incubation period. I was not originally a testing candidate," but added, "However, if the public is concerned, I am willing to take the test."

However, former Prime Minister Lee was reserved about Future United Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn, who declared his candidacy for Jongno. When asked, "Some predict that even if Leader Hwang loses, the margin will not be large," he replied, "Should I comment on what the opponent thinks?" When asked, "Polls show former Prime Minister Lee is leading," he said, "I do not have the ability to fully grasp the overall situation, but of course, I am tense."