[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 10th, marking the 4th anniversary of President Moon Jae-in's inauguration, Lee Nak-yeon, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and the first Prime Minister under the Moon administration who served the longest term of 2 years and 7 months, said, "There is both honor and responsibility," adding, "I also have the responsibility to bear both the achievements and shortcomings, to correct what was lacking or wrong, and to renew."
On this day, Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Having worked together for more than 2 years and 7 months during the Moon administration, to say that the policy direction or philosophy is not ours is something the public cannot accept. That is a lie."
Lee attracted attention after reportedly stating at a gathering on the 15th, "Even if I cannot be president, I will protect President Moon until the end." While presidential candidates usually distance themselves from the current administration whose approval ratings have fallen toward the end of its term, Lee's remarks were interpreted as a refusal to create such distance.
On this day, Lee said, "Policies are products of their times, so what is required by the era must be reflected in policies, and changes in that regard can certainly occur." He added, "'Positive differentiation' is necessary," and said, "Many policies need reflection and reinforcement. For example, there could have been additions regarding livelihood issues or foreign policy."
Regarding the proposal to postpone the primary election, he responded, "I hope the party resolves this soon."
He said, "I have repeatedly said that principles must be respected, and that remains the case now," adding, "The party should make a comprehensive judgment and resolve this without delay."
Pro-Moon lawmakers such as Jeon Jae-soo have proposed postponing the presidential candidate confirmation from September to November. However, some argue that the attempt to delay the primary schedule is intended to check Lee Jae-myung, the Gyeonggi Province governor and the ruling party's front-runner in approval ratings.
Regarding the strong two-way race between former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and Governor Lee, Lee said, "Let's see," withholding further comment.
Lee said, "What can we do about that?" but added, "The possibility for change is not completely closed."
Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon, he said, "There is an old saying that even if a tree wants to stay still, the wind does not let it," adding, "The wind is already blowing. Someday, he will have to come out, and then the public will have a proper period to see him." He continued, "Once people get to know him, it could get better or it could be the opposite."
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