Kwang-jae Lee, Son-in-law of Roh Moo-hyun, Declares 'No Candidacy' in Jongno While Preparing to Run: "I Will Protect Relationships Over Interests"

Former National Assembly Secretary-General Lee Kwang-jae announced on the 5th that he would not run in Jongno-gu, Seoul, in order to honor his connection with former President Roh Moo-hyun. He stated that he would not compete in the primary against lawyer Kwak Sang-eon, who is Roh's son-in-law and is preparing to run in the general election.

On the same day, through social media (SNS), former Secretary-General Lee said, "I have thought a lot about the region to run in, but I have decided to support lawyer Kwak Sang-eon, who is running in Jongno." He added, "No matter what realistic voices there are, politics is done by people. Rather than pursuing profit, I will live righteously. I will follow the path of preserving my connection with Roh Moo-hyun and the values of Roh Moo-hyun."

Having resigned from his National Assembly seat (Wonju Gap, Gangwon) to run for governor of Gangwon Province in the last local election, former Secretary-General Lee took on the role of Secretary-General of the National Assembly after his electoral defeat. As one of the key opposition politicians, there was speculation about his possible candidacy in Jongno, a political hotspot and his place of residence. However, considering his past relationship as an aide to former President Roh, he ultimately decided to avoid a direct contest with Roh's son-in-law.

Kwangjae Lee, Former Secretary General of the National Assembly

Former Secretary-General Lee clearly expressed his intention to run in next year's general election but left the decision on the electoral district to the Democratic Party.

He said, "I want to contribute to making South Korea the first country in the world to meet the future," and added, "I want to contribute to making a country that is not divided but becomes greater through unity." He continued, "I will do my best on the path where the Democratic Party wins, unites, and becomes a ruling party."

Regarding the electoral district, he said, "I will leave it to the decision of the beloved Democratic Party."

Former Secretary-General Lee had been mentioned in political circles as a possible candidate not only for Jongno but also for Yongsan and Sejong.