[Full Text] Lee Jae-myung Choosing Semi-Linked System: "Building 'Democratic Reform Election Coalition'... Will Find the Path to Victory"

Lee Jae-myung Holds Emergency Press Conference in Gwangju
Decides to Contest Proportional Representation Election as a Quasi-Satellite Party

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, decided on the party's official stance for this year's proportional representation election method as the 'quasi-linked proportional representation' on the 5th. He also officially announced the formation of a satellite party in the form of the 'Democratic Reform Election Grand Alliance.'

Visiting Gwangju, Lee held an urgent press conference at the May 18 Democratic Cemetery on the same day, declaring, "We will find the path to victory within the quasi-linked system." Previously, the Democratic Party had fierce debates between those advocating for a parallel system by region to win the general election and those insisting on maintaining the linked system promised through political reform. Ultimately, on the 2nd, the Democratic Party's Supreme Council delegated the decision-making authority on this issue to Lee.

At this event, Lee explained the reasons for his deliberation between the parallel and linked systems and introduced the negotiation process in which a third way (allowing dual registration in regional proportional representation and guaranteeing seats for minor parties) was proposed but rejected. Regarding the Democratic Party's proportional representation selection, he stated, "We will prepare an integrated proportional party that preserves the spirit of the quasi-linked system while responding to the satellite party's foul play together with all forces agreeing on regime judgment and historical progress." He added, "By building the 'Democratic Reform Election Grand Alliance,' we will lead the victory of the Democratic Party and the people." Referring to the decision to create a quasi-satellite party rather than a satellite party, he added, "Although we cannot wield swords together, I ask for some understanding of the necessity to at least raise shields."

Below is the full text of Lee's press conference.

Respected citizens of Gwangju and the people of the Republic of Korea, I think of the people, the nation, and democracy before the spirits of May. Our democracy has never come by itself. It was built and protected with the blood and lives of the people. We have faith: 'The people have always been right, and though slow, history progresses.' That faith is the essence of the Democratic Party spirit that has overcome every obstacle.

The task of this general election is clear. It is to judge the incompetent, immoral, and irresponsible Yoon Seok-yeol administration. We must revive democracy and peace, livelihood and the economy. We must restore the nation's dignity, warmth, hope, and future.

The National Assembly, which oversees state affairs and creates and changes national legal order, is the last bastion of democratic republicanism. I worry that if a government that has ruined the country in less than two years takes control of the National Assembly, it will destroy the national system itself.

The proportional representation election system to be applied in this general election is controversial. Since the last general election, the parallel system was changed to a quasi-linked system, but the People Power Party created a satellite party, and the Democratic Party responded in kind, ultimately failing to achieve the intended purpose.

Following the public demand to ban satellite parties, the Democratic Party tried to legislate a ban on satellite parties but failed due to opposition from the ruling party. When one of the two major parties creates a satellite party, the other side has no choice but to find a countermeasure unless it is prepared to lose. You cannot face a sword with bare hands.

To eliminate the recurring satellite party controversy in every election and avoid the vicious cycle where the quasi-linked system becomes a mere shell, satellite parties must be banned, but the ruling party opposes this. However, the Democratic Party cannot accept a return to the parallel system.

Therefore, the Democratic Party pursued a third way. It adopted the parallel proportional representation demanded by the People Power Party but allowed dual registration in regional proportional representation, a long-standing party stance, and to resolve the exclusion of minor parties that could arise, proposed allocating 30% of seats to minor parties or prioritizing one seat for those with at least 3% of votes in each region. This way, minor parties with about 3% support in three regions could secure three seats, significantly alleviating the exclusion problem.

However, the ruling party opposed protecting minor parties and the dual registration demanded by the Democratic Party until the end. Now, the Democratic Party faces a choice: return to the regional parallel system or prepare countermeasures against the ruling party's foul play under the quasi-linked system.

The regional parallel system mitigates regionalism and favors the Democratic Party but harms minor parties. Responding to the ruling party's satellite party creation by forming its own satellite party is a counter to foul play and is self-defense, but the result is that the quasi-linked system becomes a mere shell.

In this difficult situation, I remind you once again: the owners of this country are the people. Politics may seem to be done by politicians, but ultimately, it is the people who do it.

Respected citizens, although the quasi-linked system is 'an imperfect but precious achievement that has advanced one step,' we will find the path to victory within the quasi-linked system, not a regression to the past. I believe the awakened and active people will present the 'way to win splendidly.'

As you know, the ruling party, which rejected the satellite party ban law, is creating a satellite party to seize victory in the general election. Unfortunately, there is no way to block the ruling party's satellite party. With a scholarly awareness and merchant-like realism, we will pursue ideals without ignoring reality.

Together with all forces agreeing on regime judgment and historical progress, we will prepare an integrated proportional party that preserves the spirit of the linked system while responding to the satellite party's foul play.

By building the 'Democratic Reform Election Grand Alliance,' we will lead the victory of the Democratic Party and the people. As the eldest brother of the democratic reform forces, the Democratic Party will take the lead in fulfilling this responsibility.

Respected and beloved citizens, I apologize for the imperfect legislation that made foul play possible. I apologize for failing to legislate the promised ban on satellite parties. And I deeply apologize for ultimately having to create a quasi-satellite party equivalent to a satellite party.

Although we cannot wield swords together, I ask for some understanding of this unavoidable necessity to at least raise shields.

Many may disagree with me. I take full responsibility for every decision.

Following the greater good, I will trust only the people and move forward. I will risk my life and surely win. With the total unity of the democratic reform forces, we will prevent the regression of the Republic of Korea and open a new path of hope with a general election victory.

I am sorry. And thank you.