"Let's Go, 20 More Years for the Democratic Party" Toast Shouted by Chairman Lee Dong-geol, Official Apology "Was Not Thoughtful"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kangwook Cho] Lee Dong-geol, Chairman of the Korea Development Bank, officially apologized for the toast controversy.

On the 25th, according to the Korea Development Bank, Chairman Lee stated regarding the toast at the publication celebration that caused controversy the previous day, "Considering the nature of the farewell event, the toast was made as a courtesy to honor the efforts of a senior political figure, and there was absolutely no political intention," adding, "I apologize for my thoughtless remarks."

He added, "I will be more careful with my words in the future."

Earlier, on the 22nd, Chairman Lee attended the publication celebration of a biographical comic book for former Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan, held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, where he proposed a toast saying, "Let's go for 20 years, Korea as the number one country," referring to the "Democratic Party's 20-year ruling theory."

At the event, Chairman Lee introduced himself as a "non-politician" and told former leader Lee, "One of the words that struck me most deeply was 'We have to do it for 20 years,'" explaining, "Because I have seen how quickly a democratic government’s efforts, brick by brick, can be torn down." He also emphasized, "We must unite with former leader Lee, who said 'My life is for the people,' to build a good country, a great country, and a first-class nation."

He then proposed the toast, saying, "When I shout 'Let's go!', everyone should respond with '20 years!' You can even call out 30 years or 40 years."

In the political sphere, criticism poured in that Chairman Lee’s remarks were inappropriate, and he issued a delayed apology through the Korea Development Bank on the same day.