[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Yang Jeong-cheol, head of the Democratic Research Institute, and Lee Geun-hyeong, chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, who contributed to the overwhelming victory of the Democratic Party of Korea in the 21st general election, both tendered their resignations on the 16th.
In a message sent to reporters that day, Director Yang said, "I am returning to being a private citizen," adding, "The election results are very frightening and daunting, but I believe those elected will humbly dedicate themselves alongside President Moon Jae-in to overcoming the national crisis."
He said, "The reason I was able to come this far was thanks to the courage and wisdom of Representative Lee Hae-chan," and added, "Our party will long honor his devoted leadership."
He continued, "I will fondly remember working with Representative Lee, Floor Leader Lee In-young, Secretary-General Yoon Ho-jung, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee Choi Jae-sung, and Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee Lee Geun-hyeong," and said, "The purity and passion of Professors Choi Bae-geun and Woo Hee-jong, who led the Together Citizens' Party, were also moving. I developed a deep respect for them."
Lee, who served as a member of the Nomination Management Committee and the Strategic Nomination Management Committee and played a key role in the general election, also posted on Facebook that day, saying, "I just gave my farewell remarks at the Democratic Party leadership meeting," and added, "Under the 'unlimited trust' of Representative Lee Hae-chan and the leadership, I was fortunate to serve as secretary for the General Election Planning Team, the Strategic Nomination Committee, and the Nomination Management Committee without major issues."
He reflected, "It was always a precarious situation until the day of voting," and said, "Although we achieved the 'dream number,' it is also a fearful result."
He added, "The Democratic Party must now act more maturely and take greater responsibility for the lives of the people and the nation," and said, "I am leaving with a light heart. I am heading off to the Maldives for a mojito."
That day, Lee also disclosed on Facebook a document from the Strategic Planning Committee predicting the election outcome before the general election. The document predicted the Democratic Party would win 163 constituency seats by combining strong leads, competitive leads, and contests. This precisely matched the 163 seats the Democratic Party won in this election.
Some speculate that their next move might be to enter the Blue House to assist President Moon or to prepare for the next presidential election. However, Director Yang drew a line under such speculation, saying, "That will not happen."
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