Choi Jae-sung: "Low possibility of Myeong-Nak meeting... If Lee Nak-yeon leaves, he becomes a 'private soldier'"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, extended a hand to former leader Lee Nak-yeon by ordering the deletion of a petition calling for Lee Nak-yeon's expulsion, who has been continuously critical of him, raising the possibility of a so-called 'Myeong-Nak meeting' happening again. However, former Blue House political secretary Choi Jae-sung viewed this negatively, saying, "The possibility is slim."

On the 7th, former Secretary Choi said on YTN's 'News King Park Ji-hoon' program, "Looking at Lee Nak-yeon's recent remarks and signs, it seems he is somewhat organizing his thoughts, and based on that, he is making these statements," expressing this view.

Choi Jae-sung, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Recently, Lee Nak-yeon made remarks targeting Lee Jae-myung's leadership, saying, "The Democratic Party collapsed because of leadership," and "Shouldn't we be at least as honest as the national average?" Choi analyzed that this was with the intention of leaving the party.

He said, "In my view, the possibility of a (Myeong-Nak meeting) is slim," adding, "It seems that these statements are made to secure justification or an environment for such remarks, assuming a kind of decision to part ways has already been made."

Although Lee Jae-myung sent a message saying "Politics of unity and integration is necessary," it was considered too late. Choi said, "Lee's message falls short both in method and timing, and conversely, from Lee Nak-yeon's perspective, it might feel like his thoughts have already been somewhat settled," adding, "Therefore, it is somewhat difficult for the meeting itself to secure significant meaning or momentum, and in this regard, I think the chance of them meeting is not very high."

However, Choi pointed out that the result of Lee Nak-yeon's departure from the party may not be favorable. He said, "I feel that it has tilted quite a bit towards (leaving the party)," adding, "But the moment Lee Nak-yeon does that, he really becomes a common soldier."

He continued, "The moment someone who was a party leader does that, they truly become a private soldier, and their presidential ambitions become minor ambitions. So I hope he doesn't do that, and I believe he won't, but looking at his recent actions and messages, I feel some concerning signs of a somewhat misguided judgment."

Regarding the speculation about a 'former prime ministers' alliance' following Lee Nak-yeon's recent meetings with former Prime Ministers Chung Sye-kyun and Kim Boo-kyum, he dismissed it, saying, "The three have different positions and ways of thinking," and "They are not a trio of prime ministers; Lee Nak-yeon seems to have somewhat distinct thoughts and judgments."