Observations of Failed Negotiations with Bereaved Families
Democratic Party "Currently Organizing Internally"
Jeon Mo (64), who served as the first chief secretary during Lee Jae-myung's tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province and is affiliated with the Democratic Party of Korea, was found dead, and Lee's condolence visit is being delayed. Observers note that Lee's position is becoming difficult as negotiations with the bereaved family have not been reached at the scene.
Lee was scheduled to visit the funeral hall in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, where Jeon's wake was set up, around 1 p.m. on the 10th to pay his respects, but as of around 6 p.m., more than five hours past the announced time, Lee has not appeared at the funeral hall.
Regarding this, Democratic Party officials said, "It seems internal arrangements are not yet complete," and added, "There will be a slight delay," but have not provided any further explanation.
Lee is known to have been waiting near the hospital where the funeral hall was set up since after 12 p.m. Inside the funeral hall, party officials including Assemblyman Cheon Jun-ho, who is serving as chief secretary to the leader, and spokesperson Han Min-su have been present since 1 p.m. They have also refrained from making any statements to the gathered press outside the funeral hall.
The Democratic Party stated that the reason for the delay in the condolence visit is due to internal coordination, but some speculate that Lee's position is being delayed because negotiations with the bereaved family have not been reached.
Since Jeon was known as a close aide to Lee, having served as chief secretary during Lee's governorship of Gyeonggi Province, Lee is also interpreted to have regarded the visit as important. Originally, he planned to start the day with an on-site Supreme Council meeting at the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, followed by visits to the electric vehicle battery recycling hub center in Siheung City and a listening tour called "Into the People," but he abruptly canceled all afternoon schedules to plan the condolence visit.
At the on-site Supreme Council meeting that morning, Lee raised his voice regarding Jeon's death, saying, "Is this because of Lee Jae-myung, or is it something caused by excessive pressure investigations?" and added, "I cannot forgive the prosecution's reckless attacks."
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