Lee Nak-yeon "I Feel Guilty for Not Adequately Addressing Youth Pain"

Lee Nak-yeon, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Lee Nak-yeon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed his sympathy for the controversy surrounding Incheon International Airport (In-guk-gong) and the difficulties faced by young people in buying their own homes, saying, "I am truly sorry and heartbroken."

In an interview with KBS Radio's 'Joo Jin-woo Live' on the 8th, Lee said, "I feel a great sense of guilt for not adequately responding to the pain of young people."

Lee stated, "The In-guk-gong issue is a multi-layered problem. However, under no circumstances should the fair opportunities for youth be undermined or their employment opportunities reduced. The government and ruling party must make efforts to create and provide more good jobs for young people."

When asked about the differences between former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in's real estate policies, Lee replied, "I do not feel a fundamental difference," but explained, "In terms of expressing policy will, former President Roh approached it more passionately and emotionally, whereas President Moon tends to approach it logically and institutionally."

Regarding the question about the lack of many members of the Lee Nak-yeon faction within the Democratic Party, he answered, "Factional politics must be eliminated. Because of the character in my name, the term 'Chin-nak' has appeared in the media. I am not particularly pleased with it, but more lawmakers are coming to support me."

Lee described Kim Boo-kyum, a Democratic Party member who competed against him in the party leadership race, as "a flexible and generous person with a broad way of thinking."

Regarding Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, he said, "He is a person with many strengths, a good colleague and junior." When asked about his weaknesses, he replied, "Oh, would I speak of his weaknesses myself?"