Lee Nak-yeon Leaving the Democratic Party... Possibility of Joining 'Principle and Common Sense'

'DJ Selected as DJ' Leaves Party After 24 Years
Likely to Focus on Third Zone Big Tent Strategy

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon is leaving the Democratic Party, where he has been for 24 years. Entering politics in 2000 through the selection by former President Kim Dae-jung (DJ), he served as a five-term lawmaker in the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 21st National Assemblies representing the Democratic Party. He also served as Governor of Jeonnam Province, party leader, and the first Prime Minister under the Moon Jae-in administration. After his calls for reform under Lee Jae-myung’s leadership were rejected, he decided to part ways. Going forward, he is expected to focus on forming a 'third zone big tent' to break the duopoly of the two major parties.

Former leader Lee is scheduled to hold a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office around 2 p.m. on the 11th to announce his departure from the Democratic Party. This comes 12 days after his 'breakup meeting' with Lee Jae-myung on the 30th of last month. Lee had urged the formation of a unified emergency committee on the condition of Lee Jae-myung’s resignation, but Lee did not accept the proposal.

Former leader of the Democratic Party Lee Nak-yeon is leaving the publication celebration of Yang Hyang-ja, CEO of Korea's Hope, held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 9th, responding to questions from the press. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Upon declaring his departure, Lee is expected to reveal his 'third zone plan' aimed at breaking the political duopoly. Rather than independently founding a new party, he is likely to join the new party led by 'Principles and Common Sense' members such as Kim Jong-min, Lee Won-wook, and Cho Eung-cheon, who have also left the Democratic Party. A close aide to Lee said, "He will not run for the general election or take on a leadership role but will act as a stepping stone to support the new political force."

Kim Jong-min said to reporters at the National Assembly the day before, "If I propose to former leader Lee to pursue new politics, I believe he will join." Lee Won-wook also stated, "(Former leader Lee) will focus on political reorganization through the third zone." 'Principles and Common Sense' plans to announce specific plans for founding a new party as early as the 12th.

Former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok (from right), Hope of Korea leader Yang Hyang-ja, former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, and New Choice co-leader Geum Tae-seop are performing the national ceremony at Yang's book launch event held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 9th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party leadership have not issued any particular statements regarding the chain of defections starting from 'Principles and Common Sense' to former leader Lee. While concerns are rising that the party split may accelerate, some within the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction see the disappearance of divisive factors as a positive development.

With former leader Lee’s departure, attempts to reorganize the political landscape in the third zone are expected to gain momentum. If former leader Lee, 'Principles and Common Sense,' the Reform New Party (Lee Jun-seok), Hope of Korea (Yang Hyang-ja), and New Choice (Geum Tae-seop) unite under a 'big tent,' their impact is expected to be even stronger.