Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung Talk for Over an Hour... Moon: "We Must Embrace Even a 1% Difference"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] On the afternoon of the 29th, former President Moon Jae-in met with the new leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea at his residence in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, and stated, "For the Democratic Party to renew itself, break free from defeatism, and become a winning party, it must innovate, unify, and expand."

Spokesperson Park Seong-jun told reporters after the visit that former President Moon made this request.

Lee Jae-myung, the newly appointed party leader, and the five new Supreme Council members (Jung Cheong-rae, Ko Min-jung, Park Chan-dae, Seo Young-kyo, Jang Kyung-tae) visited former President Moon’s residence that afternoon and had a conversation for about an hour. First Lady Kim Jung-sook was also present, along with Floor Leader Park Hong-geun and Representative Kim Du-kwan.

According to Spokesperson Park, former President Moon greeted the new leadership by saying, "You worked hard to hold the election. Congratulations on your election." He continued, "Watching politics in Yeouido, after a big election, there is no time to rest," and added, "Seeing how you immediately engage in politics, visit the National Cemetery, and carry out your schedule, there is no leisure. You are truly working hard."

Leader Lee said, "Meeting the President in person, he looks well and quite healthy," and added, "Today is a time to listen to the President’s various teachings. We ask for your guidance."

In response, former President Moon told Leader Lee, "You were elected with overwhelming support," and said, "It seems the government and ruling party are not doing well these days. The Democratic Party must now step forward to gain hope and support." He further emphasized, "Especially, you must take good care of people’s livelihoods. The economy is becoming increasingly difficult and the outlook is bleak, so the Democratic Party must move toward politics that prepare alternatives."

The discussion also touched on the conflict between the pro-Lee Jae-myung (Chin-myeong) and pro-Moon Jae-in (Chin-mun) factions that emerged during the party leadership election.

Former President Moon said, "The group supporting Leader Lee and myself is the same," and added, "99% of the support is shared. It is something we share." However, he noted, "When about 1% of competition arises, there seems to be some residual bitterness. Because of that, conflicts become highlighted, but politics must embrace even a 1% difference," and added, "That is how the Democratic Party will expand further."

When asked what specific advice Leader Lee sought, Spokesperson Park explained, "Leader Lee asked for a lot of guidance, and former President Moon offered words of encouragement, saying 'change and innovation are necessary.'"

When asked what was discussed, Leader Lee said, "He gave words of congratulations and advice on the path our Democratic Party should take going forward."