Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, visited 'N15,' a corporate maker space located in Seoul Square, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 30th, and is talking with company representatives. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, cited not reconciling with his older brother as the biggest regret in his life.
Lee appeared as a guest diner on the TV Chosun current affairs program 'Sikgaek Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey' aired on the 3rd and spoke about this.
On that day, Lee reminisced about his impoverished childhood at a gamak bar in Euljiro, Seoul, which he visited with Heo Young-man. He said, "I was so poor that I gave up going to middle school; I was not just a dirt spoon but a zero spoon," and revealed that he earned money working in a factory instead of attending middle school.
He added, "Due to toxic chemicals at the factory, my sense of smell weakened," and "Although my sense of smell was weak, my taste became sensitive, so I was often told that I ate food heartily."
He continued, "At first, my father opposed my studying, but after I graduated from university, he secretly sent me money he had saved," and "With my father's help, I was able to pass the bar exam."
When asked by Heo Young-man, "What is your biggest regret in life?" Lee answered, "Not reconciling with my (third) older brother, Lee Jae-seon."
He said, "At that time, my mother was in trouble, and we never had a chance to talk about the fight we had over her before she passed away," and "I should have opened up and talked at least once; that is a regret."
Additionally, Lee explained the reason he started politics: "Originally, I thought I would just live well on my own, but after entering university, I saw a completely new world. At that time, I was 'conscious-ized,' as the expression goes."
He added, "Sometimes, because I get criticized so much, I wonder, 'Why am I doing this?'" but also said, "Still, when I look back, I think I am doing the most meaningful work."
On that day, Lee's wife, Kim Hye-kyung, made a surprise appearance at the meal. Kim revealed that they even faced a divorce crisis after Lee decided to enter politics.
Lee said, "When I ran in the 2008 election, Kim told me to just sign and go," and "I endured it then, but the party asked for a spouse's criminal record that only the spouse could obtain, and my wife refused to get it."
Kim laughed and explained, "I was the one who first signed and said, 'Sign here,' but he resisted. He thought he would lose if he ran."
Lee said, "Since I decided to marry Kim, I showed her everything about my family from the start. I thought I shouldn't hide anything," and "As a proposal, I collected the diaries I had written since I was young and gave them to her."
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