Lee Nak-yeon Contacts Party Leadership Candidates... Solidifying Candidacy

Lee Nak-yeon, the elected member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is checking his phone while attending the '21st National Assembly First Half Speaker and Deputy Speaker Election Members' General Meeting' held at the National Assembly on the 25th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee Nak-yeon, chairman of the Democratic Party's COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee, is analyzed to have entered the final countdown for running for party leadership as he has been meeting consecutively with party leadership candidates.

According to Democratic Party officials on the 26th, Chairman Lee met with Representative Hong Young-pyo on the 21st and Representative Song Young-gil on the 24th to discuss their opinions on running for the party convention. He is also scheduled to meet soon with another party leadership candidate, Representative Woo Won-shik.

Chairman Lee reportedly expressed that he is "considering running for the party convention" and inquired about the candidates' intentions to run. In particular, Representative Hong is known to have strongly appealed his candidacy during the meeting with Chairman Lee. In fact, a Democratic Party lawmaker said, "(Representative Hong) is known to have a strong will to run. Chairman Lee's decision to run will not be a variable in Hong's decision to run," adding, "If Chairman Lee runs, Hong will likely be a competitor."

On the other hand, Representative Song is reported to have indicated that he would not run if Chairman Lee decides to run. Earlier, on the 19th, Representative Song hinted at coordinating with Chairman Lee in a radio interview, saying, "Since Chairman Lee's decision to run is not yet confirmed, I am watching the situation more closely."

Within the party, there is growing weight behind Chairman Lee's candidacy for the party convention. The fact that Chairman Lee is meeting directly with party leadership candidates is interpreted as showing strong determination to run. Another Democratic Party lawmaker said, "The general opinion within the party is that Chairman Lee should fulfill his role as party leader," adding, "Chairman Lee, who has met with lawmakers for a long time, is surely aware of this party atmosphere."

However, there are concerns that unnecessary wounds could be left on a leading presidential candidate. If a multi-candidate race forms, attacks could focus on the leading candidate, Chairman Lee. Additionally, the 'party leadership and presidential candidacy separation rule' means Chairman Lee would have to step down from the leadership position after only seven months, which is a burden for him.

Chairman Lee has not yet confirmed or denied his candidacy for party leadership. When asked by reporters at the National Assembly the day before, he said, "I will inform you without delay."