[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on the 11th that he is effectively rejecting the objection to invalid votes raised by the camp of former leader Lee Nak-yeon.
On the same day, after paying respects at the National Daejeon National Cemetery with Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, Song told reporters, "Regarding the party election, we confirmed Lee Jae-myung as the Democratic Party's 20th presidential candidate, and I issued the recommendation letter," dismissing the controversy over invalid votes.
He explained, "Just as the Republic of Korea operates according to the Constitution, the Democratic Party operates according to its party rules and regulations," adding, "These party rules and regulations were not created during my tenure as party leader but were established during former leader Lee Hae-chan's term and passed at the party convention in August last year when former leader Lee Nak-yeon was elected." He continued, "The presidential election proceeded based on the special party rules passed by all party members' votes when former leader Lee Nak-yeon was elected."
He also emphasized, "Our Democratic Party has gone through this process together, so we inevitably become one team, and this is a mission given to the Democratic Party beyond individuals," adding, "Yesterday, through Blue House spokesperson Park Kyung-mi, the president clearly stated that the primary process went well and sent a congratulatory message."
When asked whether it could be understood that he does not agree with the objection, Song replied, "Rather than expressing it that way, I would say that yesterday we officially declared Lee Jae-myung as the 20th presidential candidate and formally presented the recommendation letter." He added, "Various objections will be handled through official procedures of the election commission or party organizations."
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