[Interview with Lee Jae-myung] "Political Base? I Only Trust the People"... A Life Changed by Roh Moo-hyun

"Political Attacks Won't Sway the People"
Inspired by 'Roh Moo-hyun Lawyer' Lecture, Pursues Path as Human Rights Lawyer

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] "I have no traditional political base. The only political asset I have is the trust that the people give me."

Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, has recently been under intense attack not only from opposition parties but also from leading presidential candidates within the ruling party. For those trailing behind in opinion poll support ratings, fighting against the "number one" candidate is a way to highlight their distinctiveness and attract attention. Above all, there is heated debate surrounding Lee’s signature policy, the basic income.

When asked about his feelings as the target of "checks" and "joint attacks," he emphasized "the people." Lee said, "Politics is not done by politicians, but by the people," adding, "Established politicians may find this hard to accept. They have the idea of popular sovereignty and representative politics in their heads, but not in their hearts, so they are still stuck in outdated politics or mobilization politics thinking."

He indirectly criticized while showing confidence. He also said, "When political offensives are launched, they expect the people to be swayed, but the people are not swayed," and "The consciousness and judgment of the people are superior to politicians who are mired in vested interests." Regarding the postponement of the primary election advocated by other presidential candidates, he maintained the position that "regardless of personal gains or losses and interests, it is better for our party to be faithful to principles in order to gain the trust of the people."

As he said, "I have no political base," his path to becoming a leading presidential candidate was neither ordinary nor easy. Born in 1964 as the son of a slash-and-burn farmer in a remote mountain village in Andong, Gyeongbuk Province, he experienced extreme poverty. "During the lean season, we eased our hunger with azaleas called 'chamkkot.' Even now, when I see azaleas, I feel hungry," he said. While children his age wore school uniforms to school, he had to wear work clothes and go to a factory. He also suffered a serious accident where his left arm was caught in a press machine. This is why he wears long sleeves regardless of the season.

After passing the qualification exam, he entered the law school at Chung-Ang University and passed the bar exam in 1986. Former President Roh Moo-hyun changed the direction of his life. He said he entered the path of a human rights lawyer after attending a special lecture by Roh Moo-hyun, then a lawyer. In his diary at the time, he wrote, "Countless people need my knowledge and qualifications," and "I will never waste a moment and will use my time to overcome my ignorance."

He engaged in civic activism centered in Seongnam, serving as the International Solidarity Committee member of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun), executive director of Seongnam Participation Solidarity, and head of the Seongnam Anti-Corruption Reporting Center of the National Integrity Commission. He pushed for the establishment of Seongnam Municipal Hospital to prevent medical gaps, but the plan was stalled in the city council, which became a turning point for his political career.

During his tenure as mayor of Seongnam, he gained attention for resolving a debt issue amounting to 650 billion won. As a local government head, he competed with President Moon Jae-in in the 2017 party presidential primary and was elected governor of Gyeonggi Province in 2018. Despite suffering hardships from various allegations and legal battles related to family matters, he was acquitted by the Supreme Court in July last year. With the trial risk, which was like a shackle, resolved, his approval ratings soared, and he currently holds the top spot among ruling party candidates in various opinion polls.