Lee Jae-myung: "I Cannot Recklessly Abandon the Mountain-like Duty of Public Office... Although Election Campaign Restrictions Are Significant, I Will Retain the Governor Position"

Resigning for Primary or Keeping Governor Position?
If Asked to Choose, Would Opt to 'Give Up Primary'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, recently addressed the controversy over maintaining his gubernatorial position, stating, "If I had to choose between resigning for the primary election or keeping the governor's office, I would give up the primary."

In an interview with Busan Ilbo released on the 6th, Lee said, "Given the importance of quarantine measures during the COVID-19 situation, does it make sense to ask me to resign as governor to focus on election campaigning?" He added, "Candidate Kim Doo-kwan resigned from his position as Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do when he ran in the 2012 presidential primary and faced criticism for responsibility, but I don't understand why such a choice is being forced. It is desirable for public officials to fulfill their responsibilities until the end," emphasizing the justification for maintaining his gubernatorial position.

Recently, Oh Young-hoon, chief spokesperson for the Lee Nak-yeon campaign, claimed in statements that "the blood tax of Gyeonggi residents is being used for his election campaign fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. The Gyeonggi provincial government and its residents are being neglected while he focuses solely on preparing for the presidential election." Lee Sang-min, a member of the Democratic Party's election commission, also commented on Lee's retention of the governor's office, saying, "This is not a fairness issue but from the perspective of appropriateness, it would be better if he resigned." He added, "In fact, although candidate Lee Jae-myung holds the governor's office, isn't his mind elsewhere? In such cases, it seems appropriate to relinquish the position."

According to Article 53 of the Public Official Election Act, local government heads affiliated with political parties must resign from their positions at least 90 days before the election date to run as presidential candidates, even if they have participated in their party's primary. Considering the presidential election date of March 9 next year, the current legal interpretation is that they must step down by December 9.

On the other hand, Won Hee-ryong, a presidential candidate from the opposition and former Governor of Jeju Province, resigned from his gubernatorial position on the 1st, criticizing Lee by saying, "Although it is legally possible to hold the governor's office while running in the party's presidential primary, it is incompatible with my conscience and public service ethics to simultaneously carry out provincial administration responsibly and compete in the party primary."

In response, Lee said, "A responsible and competent public official cannot lightly abandon the heavy responsibilities of public office," adding, "It is regrettable that some view public office as a privilege to be enjoyed rather than a responsibility, or see running for president as a manifestation of personal greed." He emphasized, "Although my official duties significantly restrict my election campaigning, I will not abandon my responsibilities as a public official for my political gain and will do my best until the very last moment possible."