Lee Nak-yeon Steps Down as Party Leader: "Proud of 4·3 Special Act Passage... Innovation Growth and New Welfare System Reflect the Spirit of the Times"

Established Foundation for Complete Resolution of the 4·3 Special Act
No Alternatives Beyond New Welfare System and Innovative Growth
Humbly Accepting Decline in Approval Ratings

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a retirement press conference on the 9th at the party leader's office in the National Assembly. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] On the 9th, Lee Nak-yeon completed his 192-day term as party leader. He cited the passage of the Jeju 4·3 Special Act as the most rewarding moment during his tenure. Regarding the era's challenge faced during the 2022 presidential election phase, he pointed to ‘protecting the lives of the people,’ viewing the new welfare system and innovative growth as the spirit of the times.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly that afternoon, Lee said, “If I were to pick the most rewarding moment, it would be the passage of the Jeju 4·3 Special Act. It laid the foundation for a complete resolution of an issue that had remained unsolved for 73 years.” When asked about his most regrettable moment, he replied, “There are so many that I can’t pinpoint just one.”

After stepping down from the party leadership, Lee will enter the full-fledged presidential race. When asked about the spirit of the times, he said, “We are at a major turning point. It is an era where people’s lives have become unstable,” adding, “How to protect the lives of the people has become the era’s challenge.” He viewed the new welfare system and innovative growth as the answers to this challenge. He emphasized, “For the new welfare system to be possible, a certain level of economic growth is necessary. In an era where growth driven by traditional industries like steel mills is no longer feasible, there is no alternative but innovative growth. Therefore, the new welfare system and innovative growth are the spirit of the times.”

Regarding the continuously struggling approval ratings in public opinion polls, he humbly accepted, saying, “I believe the decline in approval ratings was due to my shortcomings and the difficulties of politics.” In response to criticisms that “the party leader’s actions negatively affected the path to the presidency,” he said, “Even if I were to go back to last summer, I would have made similar choices regardless of gains or losses,” adding, “Facing national challenges such as early overcoming of COVID-19, stabilizing people’s livelihoods, and economic recovery, I believe I could not have ignored these big tasks. It was an unavoidable choice.”

Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, who has surged in approval ratings, Lee drew a line, saying, “The hearts of the people are always moving. I don’t think it’s necessary to comment on the daily ups and downs every time.” Lee also said, “The only contact we had was when he came to the Prime Minister’s Office for personnel matters the day after receiving his appointment as Prosecutor General,” cautioning against evaluating a person based on contact as an arrogant act.

He also expressed his stance on the controversial pardon proposal. Lee said, “I have always been deeply concerned about how divided the hearts of the people are. To overcome national crises and leap into a new era, I thought the hearts of the people needed to be more united,” adding, “As part of that, I considered pardons as a task that should be done someday.” He added, “It was not an immediate proposal, but nonetheless, it became a painful phrase that we need to more delicately understand the hearts of the people.”

He continued with answers on current issues. Lee had previously expressed “principled agreement” with the National Assembly’s July last year proposal of the Anti-Discrimination Act. However, as issues concerning sexual minorities, such as the death of the late Army Sergeant Byeon Hee-soo, resurfaced, the National Assembly has remained stagnant on the legislation, drawing much criticism. He said, “I agree with the Anti-Discrimination Act in principle,” but added, “However, concerns within the religious community are also a reality. I hope discussions progress in the relevant standing committees considering this.”

Regarding the issue of multi-homeowner lawmakers disposing of their houses and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) controversy, and the operation of the party’s Ethics Inspection Team, he said, “In the case of multi-homeowners, many disposals have been made. In cases where houses are not sold or elderly parents live there, I understand it takes more time,” adding, “The Ethics Inspection Team is continuing investigations into current issues such as the LH controversy and is preparing for a full-scale investigation.”