[Full Text] Jeong Se-gyun and Kim Bu-gyeom, "Lee Jae-myung Must Return to His Original Intent"

Former Prime Ministers Issue Statement on 'Unfair Candidate Selection' Concerns
"Lee, Set Aside Small Interests and Ensure Fair Candidate Selection"

Senior members of the Democratic Party of Korea, including former Prime Ministers Jeong Se-gyun and Kim Boo-kyum, have publicly expressed concerns over the controversy surrounding private recommendations centered on Representative Lee Jae-myung. As the general election approaches, they voiced criticism as the 'nomination turmoil' has escalated into divisions such as party defections.

On the afternoon of the 21st, former Prime Ministers Jeong Se-gyun and Kim Boo-kyum issued a statement saying, "The Democratic Party's nominations are embroiled in numerous controversies," and criticized, "We cannot help but worry that the system nominations and democratic principles and objectivity, which Representative Lee Jae-myung has emphasized multiple times, are being undermined." They also urged, "We hope that Representative Lee Jae-myung and the party leadership return to their original intentions," and "Small interests must be set aside for the victory in the general election."

Former Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun and Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum [Image source=Yonhap News]

Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum held a private meeting during the day with former National Assembly Speakers Lim Chae-jung, Kim Won-ki, and Moon Hee-sang to discuss the issue of Representative Lee Jae-myung's 'unfair nominations.' It is reported that the party elders expressed deep concern over the controversy surrounding Lee’s private recommendations escalating into divisive movements. Former Prime Minister Jeong Se-gyun, currently staying in the United States, was unable to attend the meeting but conveyed his intention to 'share the same will.'

Full Statement from Former Prime Ministers Jeong Se-gyun and Kim Boo-kyum

Representative Lee Jae-myung must correct the current situation.

We have long stated that the Democratic Party of Korea's nominations must adhere to the principles of transparency, fairness, and the people's standards. However, the ongoing nominations within the Democratic Party are surrounded by many controversies. We cannot help but worry that the system nominations, democratic principles, and objectivity, which Representative Lee Jae-myung has emphasized multiple times, are being compromised.

The lives of the people are very difficult. Democracy is under threat. To check the incompetence and irresponsibility of the Yoon Seok-youl prosecution government and to present critical policy alternatives, our Democratic Party must win the general election. Nominations are the most important process on the path to this victory.

If the party becomes divided and loses mutual trust during the nomination process as it is now, it will also lose the hearts of the people. Losing the people's hearts means handing over the legislature. During the remaining three years of the Yoon Seok-youl prosecution government, our Democratic Party will become sinners to the people.

We hope that Representative Lee Jae-myung and the party leadership return to their original intentions. Small interests must be set aside for the victory in the general election. Even now, the party must conduct nominations transparently, fairly, and in line with the people's standards. Otherwise, our Democratic Party will not be able to gain the people's support in this general election.

We wish to be even a small help for the Democratic Party's victory in the general election. However, if Representative Lee Jae-myung and the party leadership do not correct the current situation, we believe it will be difficult for us to find a role in contributing to the election victory.

Once again, we earnestly ask the members and supporters of our Democratic Party and the people to manage fair nominations that can unite us all.

February 21, 2024

Former Prime Ministers Jeong Se-gyun and Kim Boo-kyum