"Lee, Needs Some Time... Must Soothe Supporters' Hearts"
Regarding Seol Hoon: "Shouldn't Act Like a People Power Party Spokesperson... Not the Right Organizational Attitude"
Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is leaving the meeting room after the party executive committee meeting held in the National Assembly on the 13th regarding the 'invalid vote controversy' and the objection raised by candidate Lee Nak-yeon’s side advocating for a 'runoff vote.' Photo by Yonhap News.
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Song Young-gil, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized some of the hardline supporters of former leader Lee Nak-yeon, who strongly protested the 'invalid vote controversy' in the Democratic Party's presidential primary, saying, "They are spreading malicious criticism by fabricating unconfirmed facts," and added, "This behavior is no different from 'Ilbe' (a far-right internet community)."
On the afternoon of the 13th, Song appeared on YTN's 'News Q' and responded to the host's question, "Supporters of former leader Lee continue to protest and post slanderous comments online. Are they also sending text message bombs to Leader Song?" with the above remarks.
He pointed out, "I think those who called themselves reform party members advocating for 'media reform' should reflect on themselves after seeing them spread such fake news."
However, he clarified his position by saying, "How heartbroken must the supporters of former leader Lee be? In fact, most of those who supported Lee Nak-yeon are people who have affection for our party and are admirable. But I believe the actions of a few individuals who make malicious and unspeakable criticisms are wrong."
He added, "There are some issues raised by them that should be humbly accepted, and candidate Lee Jae-myung should also listen carefully and accept them."
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, is giving a greeting at the meeting between the presidential candidate, party leader, and standing advisory group held at the National Assembly on the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News
When asked by the host if he had recently been in direct contact with former leader Lee, Song replied, "It will take some time," and said, "I understand their feelings because it is painful in many ways and the supporters' hearts need to be soothed."
He emphasized, "Former leader Lee is my immediate senior and a close aide to President Moon Jae-in, having served as the longest-serving Prime Minister. I believe he will do his best to establish the Democratic Party's 4th-term government."
Regarding Democratic Party lawmaker Seol Hoon, who served as co-chairman of Lee Nak-yeon's campaign and mentioned the possibility of candidate Lee Jae-myung's detention, Song criticized, "You shouldn't act like a spokesperson for the People Power Party. That is not the proper attitude of an organizational member." He added, "Since the party affairs committee (Party Affairs Committee) has been held today and internal decision-making has been organized, such remarks should be restrained. We need to focus on the most important issues such as intervention in the general election and the national order disruption incident, and unite our efforts to overcome them."
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