Former President Moon Jae-in reportedly said that "there is no alternative to Lee Jae-myung" regarding the position of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, according to former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won. In response, Lee Sang-min, a non-Myeong faction member of the Democratic Party, criticized, saying, "If he did say that, it is something a president should not say."
On the 20th, Lee said on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' "Even if there are significant issues within the party, there should be intense discussions within the party. But if someone as influential as former President Moon just states it like that, it completely tips the balance," expressing his criticism.
Lee emphasized, "Currently, the most important issue within the Democratic Party is the question of Lee Jae-myung's position. There are people like me who advocate for his resignation, and there are members or groups who oppose it. Regarding such an important issue about Lee's position, former President Moon is someone who has influence in our party, so whether he said that or not makes a world of difference."
He added, "If he did say it, I think it was not very wise. Even if former Director Park had a conversation with former President Moon, the words of a former president carry great influence and are a delicate matter, so it is not really something to be discussed publicly," also criticizing former Director Park.
Within the party, conflicting accounts have emerged, including statements from Democratic Party lawmaker Park Yong-jin that differ from former Director Park Ji-won's, leading to a 'battle over the truth.' Lee said, "Former Director Park is not someone who would make things up, and Park Yong-jin likely relayed the message as it was," but added, "I wonder if former President Moon would so easily express a position that clearly sides with one faction on such a critical party issue."
Amid the controversy over Lee Jae-myung's position, Lee stated at a party meeting on the 16th, "I am willing to do anything for victory in the general election." Regarding this, Lee Sang-min said, "'Doing anything' can be interpreted differently. I argue that he should step down as party leader and focus on clearing his legal suspicions and proving his innocence, while others believe he should remain as party leader." He noted that the exact interpretation of the statement is difficult based on that alone.
When asked about Lee Jae-myung's true intentions, Lee Sang-min said, "How would I know his true intentions? I cannot speak carelessly about them," but added, "Considering Lee's various past actions, I think he probably has no intention of stepping down as leader."
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