Former Presidents Stretch... Will MB, Park, and Moon Affect the General Election?

Lee Myung-bak Expected to Expand Political Influence
Park Geun-hye's Side "Preparing to Communicate in Appropriate Ways"
Former Presidents Likely to Be Utilized Ahead of General Election

"I truly feel sorry for not being able to protect these people..."

Former President Lee Myung-bak was at a loss for words in front of the Cheonan Ship 46 Heroes Cemetery at the National Daejeon National Cemetery on the 22nd of this month. It was his first public appearance since his special pardon last December.

Dressed in a black suit, former President Lee laid flowers and incense at the Memorial Tower, then paid respects consecutively at the Cheonan Ship 46 Heroes Cemetery, Lieutenant Han Joo-ho’s grave, the Yeonpyeong Island shelling victims’ cemetery, and the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong fallen soldiers’ cemetery. Although no current lawmakers were present, 24 figures from the Lee Myung-bak administration accompanied him, including former presidential secretaries Ryu Woo-ik and Jeong Jeong-gil, former special minister Lee Jae-oh, former Minister of Justice Lee Gui-nam, former presidential chief of civil affairs Jeong Dong-gi, and former public relations chiefs Kim Du-woo and Hong Sang-pyo, as well as former general affairs planning officer Jang Da-sa-ro.

Former President Lee’s first public appearance after the pardon caused subtle ripples in the political sphere. It was interpreted as a signal to restore not only his legal status but also his political honor. Alongside him, calls for former President Park Geun-hye, who has remained out of the public eye since her special pardon, continue. Recently, conflicting interpretations emerged within the opposition regarding former President Moon Jae-in’s remarks about the judicial risks faced by Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, drawing attention to the movements of former presidents ahead of next year’s general election.

Former President Lee Myung-bak visited the Cheonan Ship 46 Warriors Cemetery at the National Daejeon National Cemetery on the morning of the 22nd, offered incense, and then looked around the area. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to political circles on the 26th, former President Park is expected to soon engage in communication with the public. Park’s lawyer Yoo Young-ha stated in an interview with Yeongnam Ilbo released on the 22nd, "Former President Park will actively engage in external activities soon and communicate with the public." Regarding Park’s health, Yoo said, "Her condition has improved significantly since she first arrived at the Dasan residence. She is adapting well," adding, "She experiences no major discomfort in daily life and eats well."

He also denied rumors of dementia that had been raised. Yoo emphasized, "Some ill-informed people are spreading false rumors that former President Park has dementia or cannot walk properly, but this is completely untrue." He added, "She feels very regretful for not being able to properly greet many people who came to her residence just to see her from afar," and "She is expected to communicate soon in an appropriate manner."

Former President Lee, having recovered his health, is reportedly planning visits to projects such as the Four Major Rivers and Cheonggyecheon. Former President Park is also said to be considering ways to naturally meet the public at markets and other places.

Former President Lee appears to have already regained political influence. Kim Ki-hyun, the party leader, along with Jang Je-won, a member of the 'Advanced National Coalition' led by former President Lee, and lawmakers Kwon Seong-dong and Yoon Han-hong, have become key members of the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction within the party. However, pro-Park (pro-Park Geun-hye) politicians remain mostly outside the National Assembly but are preparing for next year’s general election and are expected to receive support from former President Park.

Former President Park Geun-hye [Image source=Yonhap News]

Former President Moon Jae-in [Image source=Yonhap News]

Within the opposition, there is a move to use former President Moon’s political symbolism as a 'unification card.' Recently, Lee Jae-myung expressed the idea of 'Munmyeong (文明),' meaning "Moon and Myung," saying, "We must unite the hearts of those who love Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung to overcome challenges." Um Kyung-young, director of the Era Spirit Research Institute, commented, "Since Lee does not receive support from the Democratic Party’s orthodox factions like pro-Moon and pro-Roh, he keeps bringing up the former president. As the general election approaches, more politicians will try to utilize former presidents."