Lee Nak-yeon "Can I beat Oh Se-hoon?" remark controversy... "I was referring to the principle of majority rule"
Civilians criticize as "the height of arrogance," "showing off power"
Lee Nak-yeon, the Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving a speech appealing for support for candidate Park Young-sun during a campaign rally in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the 31st of last month. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Lee Nak-yeon, the Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, sparked controversy by saying, "Out of 109 city council members, 101 are from the Democratic Party," implying that even if Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral candidate, wins the election, he would not be able to properly carry out city administration due to the city council's composition. After receiving criticism from citizens calling it an 'arrogant remark,' Lee clarified on the 1st that "there was no intention to threaten" with his statement.
On the 31st of last month, during a campaign rally supporting his party's Seoul mayoral candidate Park Young-sun at Hwagok Station in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Lee targeted candidate Oh by saying, "Some say we need to judge the current administration. That may be so. But this mayoral term is only one year," and added, "Can you fight and win against President Moon Jae-in, the government, and the Seoul City Council in one year?"
He also said during a rally in front of Achasan Station in Gwangjin-gu on the same day, "If you fight all year long, who will manage the household and raise the cattle? Even if others fight, the mayor should manage the household," and added, "What do you intend to do if you fight with the president at the central government and with 101 out of 109 members in the city council?"
Lee Nak-yeon, the Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving a speech at the campaign kickoff event for Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, on the 25th of last month. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
As these remarks became known, strong criticism against Lee arose among citizens. It was pointed out that his comments could be interpreted as implying that the Democratic Party's majority seats in the Seoul city council could exert influence over city administration.
Netizens criticized, saying, "Does this mean that even if the mayor implements policies for citizens, they will fight unconditionally if the ideology and party differ?", "No matter who becomes mayor, they only think about factional fights instead of cooperating to make Seoul a better place for citizens," and "They are threatening the people just because they have the numbers. This is the height of arrogance."
A 20-something office worker, Mr. Lee, criticized, "I was very surprised by Lee's remarks. The Democratic Party cannot be said to bear no responsibility for the cause of this election, but instead of reflecting on that, they seemed to flaunt their power by mentioning their number of seats."
Meanwhile, as criticism spread, Lee clarified his remarks, saying, "There was no intention to threaten." On the 1st, appearing on MBC Radio's 'Pyo Chang-won's News High Kick,' Lee explained, "Every council operates on the principle of majority rule. How is stating the principle of majority rule a threat?" and said his remarks were meant to convey that it would be difficult and challenging.
He continued, "Isn't it common sense that anyone who wants to become mayor would say they will cooperate well with other parties?" and questioned, "'If you say you will judge (the administration), naturally the council members will take a defensive stance. How can that be a threat?"
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