"Stop Calling and Texting..." Lee Jae-myung Appeals to 'Gaeddal'

"Constant Calls Anytime, Not Support but Pain"
"Might Have to Change Phone Number Used for Decades"

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung expressed his distress over the indiscriminate phone calls and text message bombings directed at him.

On the 30th of last month, Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Please stop the calls and texts... Constant messages and calls are not encouragement or support but cause pain," adding, "It seems I will have to change the phone number I have used for decades." Although Lee did not specify any particular individuals, this appears to be aimed at his staunch supporters known as 'Gaeddal (Daughters of Reform)'.

Former leader of the Democratic Party Lee Jae-myung listens to the remarks of floor leader Park Chan-dae at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 24th of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Supporters who saw the news commented on Lee's post, saying things like, "If they truly cared about you, they wouldn't do this, especially calling at dawn. Why are they doing this?", "I felt even sending a text would be a burden. There are always rude people who go too far," "It must be painful. It seems your long-used number has been exposed. That's upsetting," and "I hope supporters become wise enough not to interfere or meddle under the guise of support."

'Gaeddal' has been regarded as a representative example of fandom politics. They became official party members by paying party dues en masse since Lee ran as a presidential candidate in the 20th presidential election. Official party members have voting rights in internal party elections.

In particular, they actively exerted influence by sending text message bombings, doxxing, and rooting out 'Subak' (non-Lee factions) targeting political figures not aligned with Lee. They also strongly opposed the victory of National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik in the party chairperson election and urged him to resign.

Meanwhile, Lee, who stepped down from his leadership position on the 24th of last month to pursue re-election, is expected to announce his stance on the re-election and deliver a message outlining his political plans this week. Following Lee's resignation, Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, will serve as acting party leader until the party convention. The Supreme Council members will retain their positions.