Lee Jae-myung Resigns as Party Leader... Struggling with Justification for Reappointment

"Will Decide Position Soon" Hints at Reappointment Bid
Concerns Over Political Uncertainty and Judicial Risks

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on the 24th that he will resign from his position as party leader.

On the morning of the same day, Lee held a press conference at the National Assembly and said, "I have resigned from the position of Democratic Party leader after the Supreme Council meeting." Regarding his 're-election bid,' he explained, "In the face of this great crisis, I will deeply consider what path the Democratic Party and Lee Jae-myung should take," adding, "The most important thing will be how to overcome the crisis of the Republic of Korea together with the people." Lee briefly responded, "I will decide my course of action after a short period of reflection." Within the party, it is expected that Lee will officially declare his candidacy for re-election as party leader at the party convention in August. Lee Hae-sik, senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said, "If it had been confirmed that he would not run (for party leader), he would not have resigned."

Lee Jae-myung, Party Leader, Attending the Supreme Council Meeting
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Joo-hyung = On the morning of the 24th, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, listens to the remarks of floor leader Park Chan-dae at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly. 2024.6.24
kjhpress@yna.co.kr
(End)

＜Copyright(c) Yonhap News Agency, unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, AI training and use prohibited＞

In this context, political circles analyze that Lee is considering the political uncertainty that re-election could bring. Even within the pro-Lee faction, opposition to his re-election has been detected. This is because criticism of the 'Lee Jae-myung one-man regime' could spread. The 'judicial risk' surrounding Lee is also a variable. Depending on the outcome of the judicial risk, the opposition's presidential race could be greatly shaken, and the 'Lee Jae-myung 2nd term' system would start by inheriting instability factors.

The Democratic Party leadership stated that the rationale for Lee's re-election is to judge the Yoon Seok-youl administration and for the future. The senior spokesperson explained, "It should be an important momentum to open a new hope and a new future for the people who have lost hope."