Did Kim Hye-kyung Forget the Legal Card and Daejang-dong Allegations... Lee Jae-myung's 'Early Comeback Rumors' Stirring

Hair Designer Shares Recent Hair Dyeing and Haircut Updates via SNS
Speculation Continues on Role in Local Elections and Party Convention Candidacy
Responsibility for Presidential Defeat, Daejang-dong, and Kim Hye-kyung's Corporate Card Allegations Remain Issues to Address
Some Party Members Urge Restraint, Saying "Now Is the Time for Reflection, Not Action"

A, a hair designer, posted a photo of Lee Jae-myung, the Standing Adviser of the Democratic Party of Korea, on Instagram on the 13th./Captured from A's Instagram

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The theory of an early political comeback for Lee Jae-myung, Senior Advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea, who has been refraining from public activities after his presidential election defeat, continues unabated. From his role in the June 1 local elections to the by-elections for the National Assembly held alongside the local elections, and even the speculation about his candidacy in the August party convention, there is growing demand within the party for Lee to resume political activities. However, some argue that it is not yet time for him to restart his political career, as he has yet to clarify his responsibility for the presidential election defeat, the preferential treatment allegations related to the Daejang-dong development project, and the suspicions of misuse of corporate credit cards by his spouse, Kim Hye-kyung.

On the 14th, photos of Lee’s recent appearance were released online, sparking attention. Hairdresser A posted several photos on Instagram showing Lee after a hair dye and haircut. The photos showed Lee wearing a dark suit, adjusting his tie, and smiling broadly, leading to speculation that his political activities might be imminent.

Although Lee halted official activities for nearly a month after the presidential election, he has been communicating with his supporters. Recently, he announced his acceptance of the position of 'Ijjang' (head) of his fan cafe 'Jaemyung's Village,' expressing gratitude to his supporters.

According to Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, Lee is expected to actively engage with citizens soon through an online platform. Kim posted on Facebook on the 31st of last month, saying, "We are preparing to create an online platform. Lee will also participate in this platform," adding, "This will be good news for those who miss him."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate, is leaving the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, after concluding a press conference conceding the presidential election on the 10th of last month. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Meanwhile, within the party, calls for Lee’s role in the June 1 local elections and his candidacy in the August party convention continue. It appears there is a judgment that a focal point is needed to consolidate the support base for an imminent local election victory.

Yoon Ho-jung, Emergency Response Committee Chairperson, said in an interview with TBS Radio on the 7th regarding Lee’s role in the local elections, "We are discussing and planning to request his role," adding, "The election committee is considering whether he will take a front-line role or support more freely. I believe he will definitely campaign." Lawmaker Kim Nam-guk said in an interview with CBS Radio on the 31st of last month, "Currently, Lee is not planning or considering any political schedule," but added, "I want to mention his candidacy for party leader."

However, some within the party believe it is inappropriate to discuss Lee’s resumption of political activities so soon after the presidential election. The Daejang-dong scandal, the biggest issue of the last presidential election, remains unresolved, and the issue of Kim Hye-kyung’s private use of Gyeonggi Provincial Government corporate credit cards also raises concerns that Lee, who was governor of Gyeonggi Province at the time, cannot be free from responsibility.

Lawmaker Lee Sang-min appeared on MBN’s 'Pressroom Comes' on the 5th and said, "Lee is the person responsible for the presidential election defeat. He should step back, rest, recharge, and carefully examine his leadership and various allegations," adding, "Now is not the time to step forward but to reflect on himself."

A professor of political diplomacy emphasized that resolving the various allegations surrounding Lee should come first. He warned that starting official activities immediately could lead to renewed attacks over these suspicions. The professor said, "It is time to reflect on the causes of the presidential defeat, listen to public opinion, and prepare if necessary," adding, "It does not seem appropriate in terms of legitimacy, morality, and principles for someone who ran for president to come out again to run in local elections, challenge party leadership, or run for the National Assembly." He further noted, "Some mention the case of President Moon Jae-in, who, after losing the 2012 presidential election, took party leadership and succeeded in a second presidential bid, but that had justification. The current situation, with multiple allegations raised, is completely different."