Lee Jae-myung: "Break the clique politics... We must change to inclusive and harmonious additive politics"

Lee Jae-myung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is moving to participate in the election for the second half of the year Speaker of the National Assembly during the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Lee Jae-myung, Standing Advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 5th, "We must break away from exclusionary subtraction politics and clique politics where vested interests divide the spoils, and change to inclusive and harmonious addition politics."

On the same day, Lee mentioned the 35th anniversary memorial service for the late martyr Lee Han-yeol held in Gwangju on his Facebook. He quoted the late martyr’s mother, Bae Eun-sim, who passed away in January, saying, "Democracy did not come easily; it came step by step, soaked in people's blood, tears, and sweat," and added, "It is the responsibility of all of us left behind to firmly uphold the values of democracy and human rights."

He urged, "Let us move forward step by step," and insisted, "Instead of being stuck in the past and slandering each other, we must unite our strength toward the future." He continued, "We must advance toward a mature democracy where the will of the sovereign is fully reflected, focusing solely on the people's livelihood without being mired in political strife," and concluded, "Taking the dedication of the martyr and his mother as a guidepost, I will also walk steadfastly without losing my way."