[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon met with presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung on the 24th, who had competed for the presidential nomination, and said, "I will contribute even a small part of my strength to the continuation of the administration." In response, candidate Lee Jae-myung replied, "We consider ourselves teammates who share the same DNA as Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, under the name of the Democratic Party."
This meeting between former leader Lee and candidate Lee came 14 days after the Democratic Party primary on the 10th.
On that day, former leader Lee met candidate Lee at a teahouse in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and said, "Party members and supporters may have various thoughts, but I earnestly ask you not to abandon the great cause of preserving and continuing the spirit and values of the Democratic Party." Seeming aware of concerns about a 'one-team split,' former leader Lee added, "I hope the party leaders will take the lead in ensuring that everyone respects and cares for each other, and that the wounds left in their hearts will heal."
He also said, "I sincerely offer my condolences to all those who did not achieve their goals in the primary," and "I congratulate candidate Lee Jae-myung on his victory in the primary."
Candidate Lee Jae-myung said, "I will fill in my shortcomings with the help of the former leader, seek advice frequently, and together work to recreate the administration, leading the country’s future to be much brighter than it is now." He added, "I will surely repay the former leader’s broad acceptance of all paths and his commitment to work together for the continuation of the administration with concrete actions on site."
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