Democratic 5-term Veterans Meeting Lee Jae-myung Say "Party Sentiment Not Reflected in Speaker Election"

Concerns Over Amendments to Party Constitution and Rules at Luncheon Meeting

It has been reported that five-term lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea expressed opposition to Lee Jae-myung, the party leader, regarding the reflection of party members' opinions in the election of the National Assembly Speaker candidates, deeming it inappropriate.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is responding to reporters' questions on the 3rd while entering a Chinese restaurant inside the 63 Building in Yeouido for a luncheon event with five-term lawmakers.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 3rd, Lee held a luncheon meeting with five-term lawmakers at a restaurant in Yeouido to hear their opinions on amendments to the party constitution and regulations. Attendees included lawmakers Kim Tae-nyeon, Park Ji-won, Ahn Kyu-baek, Yoon Ho-jung, Chung Dong-young, and Jung Sung-ho.

Lee and the five-term lawmakers discussed the proposal to reflect 20% of the valid votes from party members in the election of the National Assembly Speaker candidates and floor leader primaries. However, some senior lawmakers reportedly voiced concerns. While respecting the rights of party members is important, they believe that this amendment to the party constitution and regulations could negatively affect the centrist voter base.

Currently, if a party leader intends to run for president, they must resign one year before the presidential election. The Democratic Party is preparing to amend the party constitution and regulations to include an exception allowing the party leader’s resignation timing to be determined by a resolution of the Party Affairs Committee. If this amendment is enacted, Lee could serve a consecutive term, exercise nomination rights for the local elections scheduled for June 2026, and prepare for the presidential election.

On the same day, Lee planned to gather opinions through a dinner meeting with four-term lawmakers in the afternoon, followed by a meeting with lawmakers from first to third terms.