[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, met with former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, his former competitor, on the 26th and agreed to cooperate for victory in the presidential election next March. Former Prime Minister Chung decided to serve as a standing advisor to the campaign committee alongside former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon.
Candidate Lee and former Prime Minister Chung met at a restaurant in Yeouido on the same day, having dinner and discussing cooperation plans. Former Prime Minister Chung had run as a Democratic Party presidential candidate but withdrew from the race on the 13th of last month.
The two agreed to include 30 Democratic Party lawmakers who had participated in former Prime Minister Chung’s campaign during the party primary in the campaign committee. Candidate Lee also decided to establish the Future Economy Committee as a direct organization under the candidate, signifying the succession of former Prime Minister Chung’s pledges.
Before the dinner, former Prime Minister Chung said, "I think creating a one team is the starting point for victory," adding, "Let’s make a one team and strive for certain victory." In response, Candidate Lee said, "In line with the wishes of party members and the many citizens supporting reform and livelihood, I hope we can recreate the administration and build a somewhat new country together under the 4th Democratic government," adding, "I believe it will go well if the Prime Minister joins us and plays a significant role."
Candidate Lee also referred to his past as a Democratic Party deputy spokesperson, saying, "I am part of our Prime Minister’s lineage."
Earlier, Candidate Lee had a private meeting with former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon. On the 27th, he plans to meet former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and then sequentially meet other competing candidates such as lawmakers Park Yong-jin and Kim Du-kwan.
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