Lee Jae-myung "Maintain Junyeongdongje, Promote Integrated Proportional Party"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on the 5th that he will maintain the 'semi-proportional representation system' to be applied in the upcoming general election.

On the same day, Lee held an emergency press conference at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju Metropolitan City and stated, "We will find a path to victory within the semi-proportional representation system."

The Democratic Party considered holding a party-wide vote on whether to maintain the current semi-proportional system or revert to the parallel system for the allocation of proportional representation seats, but after discussions among the leadership, all decisions were delegated to Lee.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju Metropolitan City on the morning of the 5th to pay respects to the spirits of May.
[Photo by Park Jin-hyung]

Lee emphasized, "Although the semi-proportional system is imperfect, it is a valuable achievement that represents progress," and added, "We will not return to the past (parallel system)."

Regarding the satellite party issue, he said, "As you know, the ruling party is creating satellite parties to seize victory in the general election," and stated, "We will pursue ideals with a scholarly awareness and a merchant's practical sense, without ignoring reality."

He predicted, "We will respond to the satellite party's unfair tactics together with all forces that agree with regime judgment and historical progress, while promoting an integrated proportional party that preserves the purpose of the proportional representation system."

Finally, he pledged, "Through the total unity of the democratic reform forces, we will prevent regression in the Republic of Korea and open a new path of hope with a victory in the general election."

After paying respects to the May spirits, Lee will hold an on-site Supreme Council meeting at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center. After visiting Yangdong Market in Gwangju, he plans to listen to merchants' difficulties and meet citizens directly.