Resignation from Branch Manager Position Possible as Early as Tomorrow
Democratic Party Forms 'Yonggwangro Election Committee'
Policy Committee Begins Preparing Pledges Including Development Profit Recoupment System and Basic Series
[Asia Economy Reporters Koo Chae-eun and Jeon Jin-young] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate (current Governor of Gyeonggi Province), who has completed a de facto 'presidential audition cum confirmation hearing' through two rounds of the National Assembly inspection, is expected to resign from his gubernatorial post within this week. In response, the Democratic Party has officially entered the presidential election mode by forming a 'melting pot election committee.'
Party leader Song Young-gil repeatedly emphasized a 'one-team presidential election,' and the party appointed Secretary-General Yoon Kwan-seok and Representative Cho Jung-sik from Lee’s camp as co-chairs to begin practical discussions. The party’s Policy Committee has also started reviewing bills to pass reform legislation, such as the recovery of unearned real estate income, which would serve as a 'sample of the next Lee Jae-myung government,' during the regular National Assembly session.
On the 21st, Leader Song said on the radio, "Without being swayed by ups and downs, we have the firm conviction to win, and beyond winning the presidential election, we will do our best to inherit the strengths of the Moon Jae-in administration while supplementing its shortcomings to win the hearts of the people." Regarding the sluggish 'chemical bonding' within the party, including lawmakers from the Lee Nak-yeon faction, and the stagnation of Lee’s approval ratings, he optimistically forecasted, "As we build the one team and address various shortcomings, the approval ratings will gradually rise."
Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Yoon Ho-jung, floor leader, are attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th, talking during the meeting. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@
Lee’s camp evaluates that they have largely resolved the 'Achilles heel' Daejang-dong allegations during the National Assembly inspection, which was akin to a confirmation hearing. Lee even showed composure by turning the blade of suspicion aimed at him toward his main rival, former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. Through a social media post that day, Lee stated, "(Former Prosecutor General Yoon) was the lead prosecutor in the Busan Savings Bank loan corruption investigation but was excluded from the investigation despite the exposure of loan corruption in Daejang-dong," calling it a "clear dereliction of duty." He added, "The person who should be arrested for Daejang-dong is not Lee Jae-myung, who resisted private development pressures and conducted half of the development publicly, but candidate Yoon Seok-youl, who protected the Daejang-dong loan corruption offenders."
The party’s Policy Committee is also set to actively prepare Lee’s pledges and legislative proposals. They plan to push legislation related to Lee’s signature policies, including the 'Development Gain National Recovery System' and the 'Basic Series' (basic income, housing, and financial policies). A representative from Lee’s camp told this outlet, "We will coordinate with the party to showcase the Lee Jae-myung policies that can be processed within the regular National Assembly session to the public."
Lee himself will embark on a full-fledged presidential campaign starting with his resignation as governor. The resignation is expected as early as the 22nd. He is likely to register as a preliminary candidate for the 20th presidential election immediately after resigning. On the 21st and 22nd, Lee has no separate schedule and is focusing on wrapping up provincial affairs while contemplating the political situation. However, if finalizing tasks takes more time, the resignation could be delayed until early next week. After the National Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee inspection the previous day, Lee told reporters, "I think a little more time might be needed. I am carefully considering it." Along with his resignation, he must also coordinate meetings with former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon to form the one-team election committee and arrange a meeting with President Moon Jae-in as the ruling party’s candidate.
Afterward, Lee plans to embark on a 'livelihood tour' across the country. Considering that the People Power Party will select its presidential candidate on November 5, Lee aims to start exploring public sentiment before then and secure a favorable position for the general election. The starting point for the nationwide tour is likely to be either Gwangju, the heart of the party, or Bongha Village in Gimhae, where the late former President Roh Moo-hyun’s tomb is located.
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