Lee Nak-yeon Returning Home... Conditions for a Smooth Political Landing

Return of Lee Nak-yeon Emerging as a Variable in the Opposition Presidential Race
Competitors and Collaborators, Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon's Fate

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, who is scheduled to return to Korea next month after completing a one-year training program in the United States, is drawing political attention regarding what role he will play upon his return. While Lee Nak-yeon has kept his distance from domestic politics during his stay in the U.S., political circles and Democratic Party supporters are closely monitoring his movements. Especially as Lee Nak-yeon's return approaches, the level of scrutiny from supporters of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung is increasing.

Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon competed for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in the 2022 20th presidential election. During the primary process, both camps attacked each other. This has continued to fuel mutual criticism and conflict between supporters of the two leaders. Moreover, both are considered leading potential presidential candidates from the opposition. This is why political interest is focused on Lee Nak-yeon's return.

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon (left) is seeing off leader Lee Jae-myung, who finished paying respects at the funeral hall set up for his father-in-law on the afternoon of April 9 at Samsung Seoul Hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although Lee Nak-yeon has not officially announced it, political circles generally expect his return to politics. He has hinted at his intention to return through indirect messages.

In April, he announced the publication of his book containing his vision for politics, Survival Strategy for the Republic of Korea - Lee Nak-yeon's Plan. On the 22nd of this month, he held a publication meeting at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he conducted his training.

At the meeting, Lee Nak-yeon stated, "I believe Korea has not managed domestic and international crises adequately. I take responsibility for that," and added, "I believe I must bear all that responsibility," implying his political comeback.

However, there is concern that Lee Nak-yeon's return could ignite factional conflicts within the party. With supporters of Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon attacking each other, the party is more likely to experience discord rather than unity. Especially since both Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon are eyeing the next presidential election, there are worries that factional conflicts similar to those around the 2022 presidential election could resurface as the election approaches.

This situation is burdensome for both Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon. Lee Jae-myung narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to then-People Power Party candidate Yoon Seok-youl by 0.7 percentage points. One of the reasons cited for the Democratic Party's defeat was factional strife. Analysts noted that Lee Jae-myung failed to smoothly absorb Lee Nak-yeon's support base.

For these reasons, Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon must be cautious toward each other. Attacks against one another could later become fatal blows to themselves.

Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon find themselves in a paradoxical situation as both competitors and potential collaborators. It remains to be seen whether, amid this ironic fate, the two will demonstrate politics of harmony or once again fiercely turn their blades against each other.