Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung and former leader Lee Nak-yeon are leaving after a meeting at a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 30th. 2023.12.30 [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the morning of the 30th, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and former leader Lee Nak-yeon held a sudden meeting in an attempt to resolve their conflict, but it ended in failure. Accordingly, former leader Lee is expected to take steps toward leaving the party and forming a new party soon.
During the meeting at a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, Lee Jae-myung said, "The party has an existing system. The opinions of party members and the public must be respected," and added, "It is difficult to accept the resignation from the leadership position or the emergency committee for unification that former leader Lee has demanded," according to spokesperson Park Sung-jun's briefing.
Lee also reportedly said, "This is a serious time, and it is more important to find possible ways within the party rather than leaving it," and "Especially, former leader Lee Nak-yeon should protect the spirit and values of the Democratic Party not by leaving the party but by preserving them from within."
Right after the meeting, Lee Jae-myung told reporters, "There may be many shortcomings in the party, and indeed there are points that fall short of expectations, but I earnestly told him that leaving the party would not be the way," and "In any case, we will find possible ways to achieve unity and overcome this desperate situation with that strength." He then urged former leader Lee, "I ask you once again to deeply reconsider (leaving the party)," before leaving the venue first.
Shortly after, former leader Lee Nak-yeon met with reporters and said, "I wanted to confirm Lee Jae-myung's will for change today, but unfortunately, I could not." He added, "Despite the reckless rampage of the Yoon Seok-youl administration, the reason the Democratic Party is not recognized by the public as an alternative is not because of a lack of unity but because it has not changed," and said, "It is very regrettable that I could not confirm the Democratic Party's will for change today."
When asked about his intention to leave the party, he replied, "I will explain gradually. I will go my own way for more valuable work." This was interpreted as effectively hinting at his departure from the party.
When asked if he directly requested the formation of an emergency unification committee from Lee Jae-myung, he said, "(Lee) rejected that."
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