Former President Moon Jae-in reportedly said that "there is no alternative other than Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea," sparking controversy. However, Park Jie-won, the former director of the National Intelligence Service, who is at the center of the controversy, blocked any room for dispute by calling it an "encouraging remark."
On the 23rd, on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' Park was asked by the host, "Should we interpret that former President Moon supported Lee?" He replied, "'The Democratic Party should unite and do well, why do you keep fighting so much? And since there is currently no alternative, shouldn't you do well centered on Lee?' These are words of concern and encouragement, and there is no need to assign any other meaning," he said.
Although he said there is "no need to assign other meanings," it can also be interpreted as a positive endorsement of Lee by former President Moon.
He said, "He is a former Democratic Party president and currently a member of the Democratic Party, right? Therefore, former President Moon has affection and interest in the Democratic Party. Since there is chaos with factions like Bimyeong, Chinmyeong, and Subak, he is urging unity and doing well." He added, "Rather than being a fundamental statement, it is not desirable to keep attaching interpretations and presenting it as a personal opinion."
The pro-Lee faction interprets former President Moon's message as "supporting Lee." When asked by the host whether this interpretation is excessive, Park replied, "Those people (the pro-Lee faction) do not interpret it that way. They take it as it is (supporting Lee)."
The message conveyed by former President Moon, as relayed by lawmaker Park Yong-jin, calls for the Democratic Party's resolution and change, which differs somewhat from Park Jie-won's view. Regarding this, Park Jie-won said, "States, governments, and political parties must always undergo change, reform, and innovation. So rather than the current chaos with factions like Bimyeong and Chinmyeong, the Democratic Party should adapt to the times and respond well. This is a fundamental statement." He added, "It is not a problem if lawmakers talk like the Bimyeong faction."
Regarding the Democratic Party's decision to hold a party affairs committee meeting and maintain Lee's leadership despite his indictment, Park said, "Yesterday, while I was in Mokpo attending an event, I received such a report. The public sentiment in Honam was very heated about the Yoon Seok-youl administration finally indicting him again." He continued, "The Democratic Party did well for once. Without much debate over Article 80 of the party constitution, and without opinions from the pro-Lee or Bimyeong factions, they simply interpreted Article 80 and passed it at the party affairs meeting, deciding to maintain the leadership position. That was a good decision and atmosphere."
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